The Apple Studio Display is the company’s cheaper alternative to the Pro XDR Display. However, there are still cheaper, and often better, monitors to consider.
The Apple Studio Display serves as the company’s « budget-friendly » monitor, intended to cater to a broader audience compared to the $4,999 Pro Display XDR that targets professionals. Nevertheless, at $1,600 it remains a display on the higher end of the cost spectrum.
The good news is that there are numerous top-notch monitors available that not only rival, but also surpass Apple’s offering in terms of quality. If you’re in search of an external monitor for your Mac Studio or any other Mac device, these Apple Studio Display alternatives provide a level of experience akin to Apple’s.
Samsung ViewFinity S9Identical specs and price with additional features
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, which lets you hook up peripherals like speakers, keyboards, game controllers, and more using Bluetooth or even drop content from Apple devices using AirPlay. Other notable features include 5W stereo speakers, Samsung MultiView (split screen), support for Samsung DeX, and support for Wi-Fi and Tizen TV OS baked into the monitor. Essentially, apart from being just a display, the ViewFinity S9 is also a smart monitor giving you access to a range of apps like video streaming services including YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, and more.
Samsung M8 Smart MonitorThe best Studio Display lookalike
Why you should buy this: It’s an Apple Studio lookalike that’s half the cost.
Who’s it for: People who want the design language of the Apple Studio without the cost.
Why we chose the Samsung M8 Smart Monitor:
Take one look at the Samsung M8 Smart Monitor, and it’s immediately apparent why it tops this list. The M8 is a great StudioDisplay alternative because it looks almost exactly like it. Samsung took some obvious nods from the modern Apple lineup when designing this monitor, but it isn’t just a cheap knockoff of the Studio Display, either. The M8 has a 32-inch display, which makes it larger than the Studio Display, at an admittedly lower 4K resolution. The video quality still looks great on the M8 though, and with HDR10+ support, colors are bright and vibrant. The M8 also has a built-in SmartTV hub that works right out of the box. It even supports AirPlay, so the M8 will work seamlessly with your other Apple devices.
It isn’t perfect by any means. It has fewer ports, isn’t as bright, and has a wonky webcam. However, at $700 (less than half the cost of the Studio Display), its flaws are more forgivable. The M8 also comes in several colors, so you can pick the one that fits your setup the most or use it as a statement piece. Plus, the M8 has a height- and tilt-adjustable stand without requiring you to pay extra.
LG Ultrafine 5K 27MD5KL-BThe same display, different chassis
Why you should buy this: The display is almost exactly the same as the Studio Display, but a few hundred bucks cheaper.
Who’s it for: People looking for the absolute best display for MacOS and a bargain.
Why we chose the LG Ultrafine 5K 27MD5KL-B:
When the Apple Studio Display released, it was quickly criticized for seemingly being an LG Ultrafine 5K display in an Apple shell. That means if you want something almost exactly like the Studio Display, you can save a few hundred bucks by opting for the LG Ultrafine 5K 27MD5KL-B.
