Despite being available at a high price, 5K monitors are still favored by many content creators, including videographers, photographers, graphic designers, and movie makers.
Besides offering incredibly detailed and crisp images, these monitors are large and come with high-end factory-calibrated panels to give the best colors.
If you do something related to graphic design or video/photo editing, a high-resolution monitor can help you focus on the finer details of your projects.
But the resolution is one part of what makes a great monitor, meaning you need to consider many other aspects.
With that in mind, we took a look at the current monitor landscape and shared our picks for the ten 5K monitors in the market. So let’s read on to get them!
1. LG UltraWide 34WK95U-W 34″
Today’s Best Deal: View at Amazon
What I Like
- Convenient port location.
- Class-leading image quality.
- Attractive and minimalist design.
- High resolution.
- Thunderbolt 3 port for Macbook Pro users.
Things to Consider
- Bad ergonomics.
- Poor dark scene performance.
Key Features
The 34WK95U-W is one of the best 5K monitors and even perhaps the top LG 5K display on the market. This fantastic model gives you various great features to transform every viewing experience you are used to.
Its design is almost bezel-free, giving you more screen space to work with. When designing this display, LG seemed to consider all the needs of any designer, with a nice end-to-end finish.
This device is a perfect combination of a 60 Hz refresh rate and powerful 5120 x 2160 resolution, making it an excellent investment for designers and people with creative skills.
The LG monitor is also perfect for Mac users. It features various ports to choose from, such as HDMI, a display port, a Thunderbolt 3 connection, and many USB ports.
One of the other things that impressed me most about the LG 34WK95U-W is its built-in speakers and stunning plug-and-play functionality, making it easy to set up with your Apple device or computer,
2. LG 34BK95U-W UltraFine 34″
Today’s Best Deal: View at Amazon
What I Like
- Durability.
- Viewing Angle.
- Great feature set.
- Glorious 5K2K resolution.
Things to Consider
- Expensive.
- Patchy build quality.
Key Features
With an aspect ratio of 21:9, the LG 34BK95U-W UltraFine defines minimalism with its design. However, it doesn’t sacrifice image quality.
No matter where you sit, you will still have an excellent viewing experience, thanks to the 178-degree viewing angle.
This model can connect easily to your peripherals with the DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 3 port, and USB and HDMI portals.
The display boasts its native 5K2k resolution and features HDR support to make all of your projects look the absolute best. For all of this tech, you might believe that its price would be astronomical. However, the price is very affordable.
If you are confused about the differences between 5K and 5K2k, the 5K2k monitor has the vertical resolution of a 4K monitor and the horizontal resolution of a 5K display due to the 21:9 aspect ratio.
3. Samsung Odyssey G9 49″
Today’s Best Deal: View at Amazon
What I Like
- Excellent HDR.
- Bright, sharp picture.
- Fast, responsive.
- Accurate color.
- Delivers maximum immersion.
Things to Consider
- Expensive.
- No speakers.
Key Features
The Odyssey G9 is an incredible monitor with powerful functionality for all professional needs. It is a 49-inch screen, making it a little large for some users. But it is ideal if you want to work on complex and side-by-side projects.
This model can reduce eyestrain thanks to the built-in Samsung HDR 1000 technology. Plus, I was impressed with its distinctive color correction tools. It allows you to match your display to the rest of your gaming setup.
It has a headphone port for audio but lacks built-in speakers. Your experience is enhanced even further with its advanced QLED technology.
Whether you’re looking for a larger 5K display for gaming or working on multiple projects at once, the Samsung Odyssey G9 is a great investment.
4. LG UltraWide 49WL95C-WE 49″
Today’s Best Deal: View at Amazon
What I Like
- Huge panel size.
- Strong feature set.
- Powerful speakers.
- High-quality chassis.
- Good color accuracy.
Things to Consider
- Limited image fidelity.
- Mediocre pixel density.
Key Features
Many of the best 5K displays today feature curved screens. Besides looking great, the curved monitors are also ideal for improving eye comfort and reducing glare.
This model is one of the best 5K curved monitors for Mac and PC products I’ve tested. It has a large 49-inch screen, making it ideal for working on complex jobs where you want to access many apps at once.
The LG 49WL95C-WE comes with multiple on-screen controls, so you can adapt what you see at a glance. It also comes with a great USB-C connection and an adjustable stand.
This 5K monitor from LG is ideal for professionals in the gaming and graphics field. It is easy to work with and good enough to blow any user away.
The impressive 5120 x 1440 display will ensure you never miss out on picture accuracy or quality.
5. LG 27MD5KL-B Ultrafine 27″
Today’s Best Deal: View at Amazon
What I Like
- Brilliant, sharp image.
- Excellent contrast ratio.
- Durable frame and solid stand.
- Uniquely intuitive user experience.
Things to Consider
- Expensive.
- Short warranty.
Key Features
Although older than some models, the LG 27MD5KL-B is still a fantastic monitor that is worth your investment. As a 27-inch screen, it is great for creative professionals working in limited office space.
This 27-inch IPS display captures brightness and color perfectly, making it perfect for any creator. In addition, it is both Mac and Windows compatible.
It has a Thunderbolt 3 port available with 94W PD, which is ideal for Mac users, and you can also access 3 USB Type C ports. Thanks to its built-in speakers, you can fine-tune your audio content and videos within seconds.
Capable of transmitting video, audio, and data simultaneously, with an impressive 5K resolution, the LG 27MD5KL-B has it all.
Its bonus in-built mic and webcam ensure you can bring a professional image to all of your video conferencing sessions.
6. Apple iMac Retina 5K 27″
Today’s Best Deal: View at Amazon
What I Like
- Improved internals.
- Powerfully configured.
- Decent 5K performance.
- Various input options.
Things to Consider
- Quite expensive.
Key Features
When buying the 5K monitor, you must consider what type of work you want to do with your display. For instance, the best Mac 5K monitor is the way to go if you’re utilizing advanced software on a Mac.
Although this model is not the cheapest Apple 5K monitor, it delivers impressive results. With access to speakers, a mic, and a camera for your video meetings, there are various reasons to buy this Apple iMac.
It is 27 inches in size and features an Intel Core i5 10TH generation processor, AMD Radeon Pro 5300 graphics, and extra speedy Ultra Fast SSD storage. You can also easily attach your peripherals via two thunderbolt ports.
7. Samsung CRG9 Series Odyssey 49″
Today’s Best Deal: View at Amazon
What I Like
- Huge resolution.
- Versatile design.
- Solid physical design.
- Smooth performance.
- Exceptional image quality.
Things to Consider
- Middling refresh rate.
- No speakers included.
Key Features
With a 5K screen, Quantum Dot (QLED) technology, and 1.07 billion colors, the Samsung CRG90 monitor is simply beautiful.
Although the Samsung CRG90 is not the first widescreen monitor I have tested, it may be the one with the best set of features. Samsung claims this model can be used for gaming and working, meaning it is versatile.
This display also has VESA DisplayHDR 1000, supported by 1,000 nits of brightness for brightness that can illuminate your entire room.
All of that means this display is crisp and bright, and you will fall in love with the adaptive-sync tech in the video editor that smooths out frame rates up to 144Hz.
8. Sceptre Curved C505B-QSN168 49″
Today’s Best Deal: View at Amazon
What I Like
- FreeSync Support.
- Decent ergonomics.
- 120Hz refresh rate.
- Decent picture quality.
- Many connectivity ports.
Things to Consider
- Unsatisfactory HDR Performance.
- Lack of USB Type C Port.
Key Features
The Sceptre C505B-QSN168 is a fantastic 49-inch screen. It is an excellent option for both business use and gaming because of its diverse spec sheet.
As one of the most impressive curved monitors available, it is a stunning model, ideal for making the most out of your latest design project.
Though it is not the least expensive 5K screen for Windows or Mac users, the Sceptre C505B-QSN168 is a delight to look at. You will quickly be impressed with its anti-glare finish at first sight.
This display features various ports, allows you to plug in your external devices, and a headphone jack for listening to the audio privately. Also, you will gain a refresh rate that ranges from 60Hz to 120Hz for extra fast responses while working on content.
This large monitor is ideal for gaming, but it can be a bit too large for some office spaces.
9. Samsung ViewFinity S9 LS27C900PANXZA 27″
Today’s Best Deal: View at Amazon
What I Like
- Fully adjustable stand.
- Wide viewing angles.
- Very affordable for a 5K screen.
- Great color gamut coverage.
Things to Consider
- Large black bezels.
- Average color accuracy.
Key Features
The 5K IPS monitor from Samsung is making headlines with its excellent performance for value. This 27-inch monitor delivers 5120×2880 resolution with wide viewing angles and a 60 Hz refresh rate.
Its design is inspired by Apple. Its large black bezels and silver strip along the bottom make it closely resemble one iMac. It is not a bad thing, but those bezels mean this model will take up more space than it needs to.
Although this model’s average color accuracy is not perfect for video or photo editors, it’s a great 5K monitor that is available at an affordable price from Samsung.
Its design looks gorgeous, and its overall performance is impressive, while its price is too low for a 5K monitor. So if you want to dip a toe into the waters of 5K, the ViewFinity S9 is an excellent point to start.
10. Philips Brilliance 499P9H 49″
Today’s Best Deal: View at Amazon
What I Like
- Bright image.
- Supports HDR.
- Good color fidelity.
- Built-in KVM switch.
- USB-C power delivery.
Things to Consider
- Pricey.
- 60Hz refresh rate.
Key Features
The impressive monitor is one of the great ultrawide models which features many feature-packed.
Its VA panel is 8-bit instead of 10-bit and IPS. Also, it only supports the DisplayHDR 400 standard. So it looks alright to the untrained eye, but it is less suited to professional video and photo editing work than its rivals.
This mammoth screen has various connectivity options, including a USB Type-C interface for hooking up your Macbook device or other machines.
It goes further than its rivals by including a pop-up webcam with Windows Hello Support, allowing you to login with a snappy face-ID login.
I really like its adaptive sync support, making it suitable for light gaming at 60fps if you own a capable AMD graphics card.
Buying Guide: Things To Consider
Refresh Rate
Refresh rate involves how quickly a monitor can process images. The larger this ratio, the better the speed of the display.
So if you’re working on game design and video/photo editing, ensure your chosen monitor has a good refresh rate.
Size and Shape
The larger the screen, the easier it is to work on complex projects. But if you work in a small office, a more compact monitor that fits into your available space would be a more affordable option.
Some customers favor curved monitors, while others prefer more basic, smaller designs.
Response Times
Similar to refresh rate, a response time significantly affects the overall performance of a 5K monitor.
Lower response time will enable you to interact with fast-paced content and videos at a better rate. Also, you gain better accuracy from your selected monitor if its response rate is low.
Ports
5K monitors don’t always have ports, and you should go with something that has at least a handful to make it easier to work with.
For instance, you’ll want something with Thunderbolt ports if you’re a Mac user or USB ports for your peripherals.
The charging ports will also come in handy if you want to charge your smartphone but want to keep an eye on it while working.
Ergonomics
In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, curved monitors reduce glare and bring you better comfort when working. We recommend prioritizing models which feature flicker reduction and blue light protection.
Budget
A 5K monitor is a significant investment because it’s usually available at a higher price point than most monitors. These models are naturally more expensive as you have to pay for better tech quality.
But with careful research, you can catch the best deal available to get a quality model at a bargain price.
Conclusion
There are the best monitors that can fit all needs. You need to think carefully about what you want to achieve with a monitor and what features you favor.
The number of 5K monitors on the market is increasing, meaning you have more options to choose from, but it can also be overwhelming. So I hope that this article has helped you narrow down your choices.