The Best 5k Monitor: Are You Seeing Everything You Should?
Ever felt that your screen doesn’t deliver enough intricate details?
Step up from your regular viewing experience with one of the best 5K monitors.
These displays offer staggering details you never thought possible, transforming work and play into immersive experiences.
Best 5k Monitor  | For Content Creators  | For Windows PC  |
Did you know that Japan has already begun to broadcast in 8K? It won’t be long before 5k, and 8k standards become accepted in more places worldwide1.
You might think 4K computer monitors are the peak of display technology, but wait until you see a 5K monitor in action.
As a man who loves high-resolution screens and optimized home office setups for productive work, I couldn’t resist exploring 5K monitors.
I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the best 5K monitors and a handy buying guide answering questions like whether a 5k monitor is worth it and how to tell if your computer can handle it.
Get ready to dive into the world of 5K displays and elevate your visuals to a whole new level with clarity, detail, and color depth you’ve never experienced before!
1. Apple Studio Display
Brand: Apple
Screen size: 27”
Resolution: 5120 x 2880 Pixels
Price: Starting at $1299
The Best 27” 5k Monitor For Mac
The Apple Studio Display is a 5K monitor powerhouse.
Built to integrate with macOS seamlessly, this cutting-edge high resolution display brings breathtaking image quality to creatives, professionals, and everyday users alike.
The Apple Studio Display features a 27-inch (diagonal) display with over 1 billion colors. The Retina 5K Display delivers stunningly clear images and true-to-life color representation that can upgrade your visual experience.
Let’s dive into why you should consider adding this marvel to your tech arsenal.
Features That Make a Difference
- True Tone Technology: This feature dynamically adjusts the display’s color temperature based on the ambient light, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience in any lighting condition.
- P3 Wide Color Gamut: The Studio Display covers 99% of the P3 color gamut, providing a broader range of colors. This is especially advantageous for photographers, videographers, and graphic designers who require accurate color representation.
- High Dynamic Range (HDR): With HDR support, this display offers improved brightness, contrast, and a wider range of colors, making your visuals more vivid and engaging.
- Deep Integration with macOS: As a monitor made for macOS, the Studio Display works flawlessly with your Apple devices, offering seamless compatibility.
User Experience Reports and Uses
Many users have praised the Apple Studio Display’s exceptional visual quality and color accuracy, making it an excellent choice for creative professionals.
Users also appreciate the simple setup and integration with macOS, providing a fluid experience tailored for Mac users workflows, including the six speaker sound system.
The Apple Studio Display is ideal for various uses, including professional photo editing, video editing, graphic design, gaming, and of course everyday tasks like browsing the web and watching movies.
A Crowning Jewel in 5K Monitors
Prices start at $1299 and vary based on the monitor configuration options, such as the stand, VESA mount adapter, or nano-texture glass.
The Apple Studio Display offers stunning visual quality and a sleek design making it a top contender in the realm of high resolution monitors.
Add its practical features that cater to professional workflows, and it’s easy to see why the Studio Display is a worthwhile investment for Apple fans AND creatives.
It’s the best monitor around with fantastic picture quality and a no-brainer for anyone looking for a 5k screen.
2. Dell U4021QW
Brand: Dell
Screen size: 40”
Resolution: 5120 × 2160 Pixels
Price: Starting at $2199
The Best 5k Monitor For Content Creators
The Dell U4021QW is the best monitor for video and photo editing if you think the 27” Apple monitor is insufficient.
This curved monitor prides itself on being the world’s first 40-inch curved ultra-wide ‘5K2K’ monitor with a 21:9 aspect ratio, pushing the boundaries of the classic setup of multiple monitors.
With its 10-bit panel that’s color-accurate, the Dell U4021QW doesn’t just promise productivity but also exceptional color accuracy, making it uniquely suited for content creators and professional video editors.
Features that Make a Difference
- 5K2K Resolution: This feature affords a superior level of detail and screen space, making multitasking easy and efficient without the need for a multi monitor setup.
- 10-bit Panel: This true 10-bit screen affords a color range that surpasses what most monitors can deliver, making it great for professional graphical work.
- Connectivity Options: With twin HDMI ports, a DisplayPort, a Thunderbolt 3 USB C port, an Ethernet port, a headphone jack, and various USB ports, users have an array of options to connect peripheral devices. These additional extra ports under the display offer great convenience.
- Dual 9W Speakers: These are impressively robust and provide a good audio backup solution for users without separate speaker setups.
User Experience Report and Uses
This monitor provides an ample workspace for photo editing tasks due to its ultra-wide setup and exceptional color accuracy.
People who routinely need to work on multiple applications side-by-side will realize the benefits of this device. However, color uniformity can be an issue due to differing brightness levels across the screen.
The setup is straightforward, and the screen strikes an appealing balance between size and resolution. The additional connectivity ports on the bottom of the monitor are a pleasant addition.
A Masterclass Ultra-Wide Monitor
Pricing for the Dell U4021QW falls around $2199. This may seem significant, but considering the features and the professional market niche it serves, the price tag is justified.
Overall, the Dell U4021QW standouts in the ultra wide monitors category — offering a high-resolution, color-accurate, and practical interface for those desiring greater workspace real estate and detail.
3. LG 34BK95U W Ultrafine
Brand: LG
Screen size: 34”
Resolution: 5120 x 2160 Pixels
Price: Starting at $1199
The Best 5k Monitor For Windows PC
If you want a high-performing 5K IPS LED screen for your PC at a lower price point, this is the best value option on the market today.
Featuring HDMI, Thunderbolt 3 port, and USB Type C port, you have plenty of connectivity for your peripherals. The nano IPS controls support over 1 billion colors, and the dynamic HDR gives amazing contrast between light and dark areas.
The screen is borderless and provides you with an aspect ratio of 21:9 – plenty of room to do most types of tasks.
Moreover, the monitor also supports HDR 600, and dynamic range ensures bolder contrast between the screen’s brightest and darkest areas, presenting a lifelike image that transforms your desktop experience.
Features that make a difference
The LG 34BK95U-W stands out due to several premium features:
- 5K2K UltraWide® Display: With a resolution of 5120 x 2160, these UltraWide monitors with 5K2K display offer 50% more pixels than a standard UltraHD 4K monitor, enhancing the clarity and vibrancy of images.
- Nano IPS Technology: This technology helps deliver accurate and detailed colors, thus making it ideal for professionals who prioritize color fidelity, like graphic designers, photographers, and video editors.
- HDR 600: High Dynamic Range (HDR) makes dark and bright parts darker, producing a more realistic and dynamic image.
User Experience Report and Uses
Users appreciate the exceptional visual experience of the LG 34BK95U-W. The UltraWide screen real estate makes it ideal for content creators with ample room to run multiple applications simultaneously without sacrificing readability.
Due to its HDR capability and high-fidelity color reproduction, it is highly favored by creatives and professionals working in visual mediums, such as graphic design, photography, and video editing, as it allows a richer and more honest rendering of their work.
Apart from professional usage, its superior resolution and contrast also make it an excellent choice for movie enthusiasts and gamers looking for a cinematic and immersive experience.
Customers are also happy with the connectivity of this monitor and how sharp the imagery is on the screen.
Pricing Info
The LG 34BK95U-W falls into the premium range of monitors due to its professional-grade features.
Prices vary but expect to dish out a healthy $1199 to get your hands on a great monitor like this.
Compared to the other 5k screens on this list, the LG has the most affordable price of them all.
For its price tag, the LG 34BK95U-W offers unbeatable value, delivering sublime image quality and robust features that are sure to uplift the experience for both everyday users and professionals alike.
4. Samsung Odyssey Neo G9
Brand: Samsung
Screen size: 49”
Resolution: 5120 x 1440 Pixels
Price: Starting at $1299
The Best 5k Monitor For Gaming
The Samsung Odyssey series is seriously impressive, and this ultrawide gaming monitor easily handles any graphics card; the question is whether your computer can handle IT.
The monitor has 1,000R curvature and the equivalent of two 27” QHD screens. The Samsung QLED technology delivering DCI-P3 95% provides pure, beautiful color with true-life accuracy.
AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and 120 Hz high refresh rate give you smooth, interrupted response times without stuttering or tearing with a capable AMD graphics card. At the same time, the 32:9 ratio curve of the screen provides full immersion into your gameplay.
An inbuilt Game Mode calibration automatically adjusts contrast and color settings for any game genre, so it looks perfect each and every time. The screen also has an eye-saver mode and flicker-free technology.
Features that make a difference
- 49-inch 1000R Curved Screen: The Odyssey Neo G9 boasts a 1000R curve that matches the natural curvature of human eyes, minimizing eye strain and creating a truly immersive experience.
- Quantum Matrix HDR2000 Panel: The Quantum Mini-LED technology provides a powerful backlight system, while Quantum HDR2000 enhances the contrast and brightness levels. This combination delivers an exceptional and dynamic visual performance.
- 240Hz Refresh Rate & 1ms Response Time: These two features contribute to an ultra-smooth gaming experience, eliminating motion blur and reducing input lag for sharper, more precise visuals.
- Nvidia G-Sync & AMD FreeSync Compatibility: This ensures seamless and tear-free gaming by syncing the monitor’s refresh rate with your GPU, creating a smooth and uninterrupted experience even when the framerate varies.
- Odyssey Infinity Core Lighting: A customizable lighting system that adds a unique aspect to the aesthetic of your gaming setup, allowing for personalized color combinations to match your style preferences.
User Experience report and uses
Gamers appreciate the Samsung 49″ Odyssey Neo G9 for its immersive 1000R curved screen and high-resolution DQHD display.
With a 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, the monitor is a significantly smoother and more fluid experience when playing fast-paced competitive games.
Customers are amazed at the quality of this screen and how it eliminates the requirement for multiple-screen setups, as it supports up to six windows and picture in picture mode. They also appreciate the ability to VESA mount the monitor and save space.
Pricing Info
Due to its premium features, the Samsung 49″ Odyssey Neo G9 has a higher price tag than the average gaming monitor, starting at $1299.
Though the monitor is positioned in a more premium price range, it offers an unparalleled gaming experience that justifies its cost for gamers and multimedia enthusiasts, making it the best monitor for gaming.
5. LG UltraWide 40WP95C-W
Brand: LG
Screen size: 40”
Resolution: 5120 x 2160 Pixels
Price: Starting at $1599
The Best 5k Monitor For Work
The LG UltraWide 40WP95C-W Thunderbolt Display is an ultra-wide curved monitor.
It has a massive 40-inch display at a 5120 by 2160 resolution—commonly called a 5K2K display. The display also supports HDR10, a standard HDR format that works with most content.
The device carries an elegant aesthetic, complete with a sturdy metal stand that supports easy adjustment for optimal viewing. The design offers a slight but beneficial curve, perfect for an expanded display.
This feature reduces the need for excessive head movement and continuous refocusing while interacting with peripheral content on the screen.
Features That Make a Difference
- 5K2K Nano IPS Display: With a pixel density of 139.97, this feature brings super sharp details onto a generously large screen, transforming your viewing experience.
- Thunderbolt 4 Connectivity: This allows fast data transfer speeds while charging your laptop up to 96W. The Thunderbolt support extends to a second Thunderbolt port, which means you can sync a second display to your setup.
- Ambient Light Sensor: Embedded in the monitor, this sensor adjusts the display’s brightness based on room lighting, reducing the potential for eye strain under different lighting conditions.
- Flexible Connectivity: Beyond Thunderbolt, this monitor offers a DisplayPort and dual HDMI inputs. The HDMI supports a maximum of 3440 by 1440 resolution, enabling you to run two machines simultaneously in Picture-by-Picture (PbP) mode.
- 10W Stereo Speakers: These built-in speakers provide a decent auditory experience to accompany the stunning visuals.
User Experience Report and Uses
The LG UltraWide 40WP95C-W is a specialist monitor that serves specific groups rather well.
If your work involves programming, video editing, or audio engineering, the extended real estate of this display will significantly enhance your productivity.
The large, ultra-wide screen allows you to manage multiple windows side by side effortlessly.
The design of curved monitors like this one plays a role in user satisfaction, offering a more immersive experience while making the entire display convenient to use.
Embrace the Curve of Productivity
The LG UltraWide 40WP95C-W is available for $1599 on various platforms but is usually the cheapest at Amazon.
The excellent ratings, positive reviews, and feature-rich design make the LG UltraWide 40WP95C-W a top-tier monitor for work.
6. LG 27MD5KL-B UltraFine 5K
Brand: LG
Screen size: 27”
Resolution: 5120 x 2880 Pixels
Price: Starting at $1299
Best 5k Monitor For Graphic Design
If you want a 5K resolution for your Apple products without requiring an adapter or buying the Apple Studio Display, the LG Ultrafine 5K is a sound choice.
With seamless Thunderbolt 3 and USB type C interface, you can connect your Apple devices and enjoy high resolution and performance every time.
The crystal clear, wide DCI-P3 color gamut and color accuracy offer rich, bright colors and razor-sharp image quality, and you can enhance the experience thanks to the built-in speakers, webcam, and microphone.
As an impressive companion for Mac, it provides a multimedia experience with built-in stereo speakers and a built-in camera, making it an effective tool for regular and professional users.
The IPS display is height-adjustable and tiltable for an ergonomic working environment, or it can be wall-mounted with a VESA bracket.
Features that Make a Difference
- High Resolution: The 5K display renders elements like fonts and icons at standard resolutions using the extra pixels to make things twice as sharp. The high resolution monitor and large display are favorites of heavy multitaskers.
- Smooth Adjustability: Despite the modest material choice, the mechanical parts of the monitor are highly streamlined. The screen is silky-smooth and offers a welcome range of heights.
- Thunderbolt™ 3 Port: A single connection can simultaneously transmit 5K video, audio, and data and charge a device up to 94W. This powerful port is compatible with Thunderbolt™ 3 enabled Mac and USB Type-C™ enabled Mac or iPad Pro, making the monitor versatile and efficient.
- Webcam and Speakers: The monitor features a built-in webcam with better visual quality than the built-in one on MacBook Pro. The integrated speakers provide louder sound, a helpful addition for users without separate speaker setups.
- USB-C Ports: There are three USB C ports on the display. The single USB-C connection drives the display and allows the computer to use the extra ports on the back of the display as a USB hub. With this, users access more connected devices more efficiently.
User Experience and Uses
The UltraFine 5K swiftly became notable for its impressive display quality. Text is rendered clearly even at the smallest font sizes, and images appear vibrant.
The display works seamlessly once connected via USB-C, providing a power of up to 85W to a connected laptop.
The UltraFine 5K also works with Windows computers (in some cases), for those with Thunderbolt 3 support should be able to successfully connect to the monitor.
The seamless macOS integration though allows users to maintain a clean workspace free of remotes or additional controllers.
Customers love having the ability to connect all their Apple devices and how simple the 27-inch IPS monitor is to operate. Many use this model for design work and photo editing.
Pricing Info
The LG UltraFine 5K display is priced starting at $1,299, nearly as much as the top-of-the-line Apple Studio Display, making it questionable to consider this monitor.
The limited connectivity options and compatibility might present challenges, reinforcing that it’s most suited for specific users using a MacBook Pro with USB-C ports.
Disregarding the entire Apple discussion, the price is justified by the enhanced visual experience, compatibility with MacBook Pro, and integrated utilities like webcam and speakers!
7. Lenovo ThinkVision P40w
Brand: Lenovo
Screen size: 40”
Resolution: 5120 x 2160 Pixels
Price: Starting at $1499
Photo editing requires ultra-sharp images to adjust every tiny detail, and you certainly have that with the Lenovo ThinkVision.
The large 5120 x 2160 pixel W UHD resolution of the LED monitor allows you to view your images in ultrasharp clarity, while the 2500R curvature of the IPS panel with super-slim bezel provides an immersive studio display.
The monitor features 12 ports, including multiple USB 3.0s, HDMI, and four Thunderbolt 4 ports, so your devices have plenty of connectivity.
And the adjustable stand provides you with a comfortable working environment.
Customers really like the inbuilt laptop dock and how solid and sturdy it feels. Others are satisfied with the quality and fast refresh rate of the screen.
8. Philips Brilliance 499P9H
Brand: Philips
Screen size: 49”
Resolution: 5120 x 1440 Pixels
Price: Starting at $1299
This ultrawide monitor from Phillips brings you plenty of features – and space – for your home studio setup.
The superwide LED monitor features dual QHD resolution and covers 91% of Adobe RGB for on-point color accuracy and 400 NITS of brightness, deeper, and more nuanced colors.
The curved monitor provides wide viewing angles for total immersion, plus you have built-in speakers, a headphone port, and a popup webcam to enhance your experience.
A range of HDMI 2.0 ports and an inbuilt docking station allow you to connect and share any devices or peripherals, including multi-client computers.
90-degree pivot and swivel allow you to adjust the monitor to your liking, or it can be wall-mounted.
Customers love the inbuilt speakers and pop-up webcam on this monitor and how straightforward it is to connect their devices. They also feel it’s high quality and a great size for the price.
9. Dell UltraSharp UP3218K
Brand: Dell
Screen size: 32”
Resolution: 8K, 7680 x 4320 Pixels
Price: Starting at $3999
The Best 8k Monitor
Here we have an 8K offering!
The Dell UltraSharp features Dell PremierColor and a high pixel density of 280ppi, which provides visuals so sharp and clear there are no visible pixels on the screen.
The monitor is calibrated to Adobe RGB and provides 64 times more color depth than standard monitors.
Wide color parameters allow you to customize with precision or use the X-rite iDisplay Pro colorimeter for automatic contrast ratio calibration.
And you have 100% AdobeRGB, 100% sRGB, 100% Rec. 709, and 98% DCI-P3, which meets major industry standards.
Thanks to Dell’s InfinityEdge, you have a virtually borderless design and ComfortView for a comfortable retina display and blue light minimization.
Customers are in awe of the image’s clarity and sharpness this screen brings and say it’s the ultimate screen to have if you work with detailed imagery for those that can afford it.
What Is A 5K Monitor?
A 5k monitor is a computer screen with a 5K resolution of 5120 x 2880 pixels in length x width format, that’s 14.7 million pixels!
What that means for you is higher clarity and sharper images with more workspace.
The more pixels a screen has, the better the resolution. Therefore, a 5K screen has a better resolution than a 4K or Full HD monitor, making them one of the best monitors for your home office.
Your Direct Guide to Buying a 5K Monitor
This guide aims to break down the must-know aspects when you’re out and about looking for your ideal 5K monitor.
1. Check the Panel Type
There are primarily three types of panels used in monitors: TN, VA, and IPS. Each one has unique advantages:
- TN (Twisted Nematic): Generally less expensive, with fast response times. Best suited for fast-paced gaming where response time is critical.
- VA (Vertical Alignment): Known for high contrast ratios and vibrant colors but slower response times.
- IPS (In-Plane Switching): The best color accuracy and wide viewing angles suit professionals working with visual media.
Understand your use case and decide which panel type best fits your needs. And if your eye care is a priority, I’d suggest checking out one of the best monitors for eye strain.
2. Refresh Rate and Response Time
If you happen to enjoy gaming, pay attention to the monitor’s refresh rate and response time.
A higher refresh rate (e.g., 144Hz, 240Hz) means smoother, tear-free gaming, whereas a lower response time (measured in milliseconds) translates into less motion blur.
3. Consider Connectivity Options
Ensure the monitor has suitable connectivity options like HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C ports for versatility and compatibility with your devices.
Notably, you must ensure these ports can support the data transfer speeds required for 5K.
4. Graphic Card Compatibility
A powerful graphics card is key to supporting the 5K resolution. Verify your graphics card’s specifications to ensure it supports 5K so that you can fully exploit your new monitor.
5. Brand and Price
The final points to consider are the brand’s reputation and the investment you are prepared to make.
Leading brands like Dell, Samsung, LG, and Apple manufacture 5K monitors combining quality, design, and performance.
Although pricing might be higher, the outstanding image quality and enhanced workspace justify the cost.
Is 5K a Good Resolution?
5K is an excellent resolution and usually more than enough to see tiny details in astonishing clarity.
This resolution is, therefore, superb for graphic designers, video editing, photo editing, and gaming.
Is it worth getting a 5K monitor?
It is worth getting a 5K monitor that offers a considerable improvement over 4K displays in terms of image detail and clarity.
These monitors have 50% more pixels than 4K monitors, allowing greater precision in visual tasks like graphic design and video editing.
If you’re after high-resolution detail, a 5K monitor certainly fits the bill.
Is a 5K display better than 4K?
A 5K display is technically superior to a 4K display. A 5K monitor guarantees a pixel-free viewing experience, even at an average viewing distance, something that 4K monitors can’t always deliver.
The added pixel density improves image quality and sharpness, giving you a richer and more immersive viewing experience.
What is the best 5K monitor for gaming?
The Samsung 49″ Odyssey Neo G9 is arguably one of the best 5K monitors for gaming.
It combines its impressive 49-inch 1000R curved display with an ultra-fast 240Hz refresh rate and 1 ms response time for a smooth, immersive gaming experience.
How to know if my computer can support 5K resolutions?
To determine if your computer can support a 5K monitor, you will need to check the specifications of your graphics card.
The GPU needs to be powerful enough to drive a 5K display.
Most recent high-end cards can handle 5K output, but always consult the manufacturer’s specifications to be sure.
Additionally, ensure that your cable (HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.) is of high enough quality to support the bandwidth required for 5K.
What Is the Difference Between 5K and 8K?
5K is a screen resolution of 5120 x 2880 pixels while 8K is 7680 × 4320.
8K is the highest available resolution on the market, but it is still considered an emerging technology.
5K, while also relatively new, is more widely available.
Chris
Chief Editor & Growth Expert