The best 5K monitor: 8 Amazing 5K monitors

Best 5K Monitor

Are you looking for the best 5K monitor? You’re not alone. A 5k screen is difficult to come by these days, even as the demand for high-quality visuals increases.

With 5k monitor resolution, you can even impress your customers when they come to check out the results of your latest video editing session

The best 5k monitor: Our top picks!

Although most monitors will still deliver a fantastic visual in 4K, 5K monitors are for people who can’t afford to compromise on quality. 

A 5K screen has an aspect ratio usually of around 16:9, and a resolution of about 5120 x 2280 or 14.7 million pixels. This is a world away from your standard 1080p monitor. 

Before we get onto the best 5k monitors, however, let’s take a closer look at today’s star buys!

EDITORS CHOICE
LG 27MD5KL-B ultrafine
9.7
  • DCI-P3 99% Color Gamut / 500nits Brightness
  • Thunderbolt 3 Port with up to 94W PD
  • 3 USB Type C Ports
  • Mac OS Compatibility
BUDGET PICK
LG 49WL95C-WE
9.5
  • 49-inch 32:9 curved display
  • USB Type C with 85W PD
  • Multi-tasking solution with dual controller
  • SRGB 99% Color gamut
PREMIUM PICK
2020 Apple iMac Retina 5K
9.1
  • 5.0 GHz turbo boost
  • 5K ultra-fine HD display
  • Up to 128GB of memory
  • Multiple thunderbolt ports and options

Read on for more…

Best 5K Monitor

1. Sceptre Curved 49 inch Super UltraWide (best curved)

One of the most impressive curved 5K monitors on the market, the Sceptre is a stunning device, perfect for helping you make the most out of your latest design project. Ultra-wide so you can enjoy more screen real-estate, the Sceptre monitor is sure to demand the attention of anyone in the room. 

Though not the least expensive 5k monitor for Mac or Windows users, the Sceptre is a delight to look at. Particularly with its anti-glare finish. 

This model comes with multiple ports, so you can plug in external devices, and a headphone jack for listening to your audio privately. You’ll also get a refresh rate of between 60Hz and 120Hz for extra fast responses when you’re working on content. 

The device is height adjustable and comes with a set of built-in speakers too. 

Features include:

  • Height adjustable stand
  • 49-inch ultra-wide curved screen
  • Multiple port options
  • Headphone jack
  • Built-in speakers
  • 5120 x 1140 dual QHD resolution
  • Multiple screen control options

Aside from giving you an amazing visual experience, the Sceptre also comes with a range of productivity features built-in, such as picture by picture mode, picture in picture, and a remote-control setting. 

It can be a little large for some office spaces, however. 

Pros
  • Built-in speakers and headphone options
  • Refresh rate of between 60 Hz and 120 Hz
  • Ultra-wide for more screen real-estate
  • Fantastic refresh rate
  • Multiple screen controls
Cons
  • Quite large for some offices
  • Very expensive
RECOMMENDED
Sceptre Curved 49 inch Super UltraWide

Immerse yourself at every angle with this Spectre super ultrawide curved display that boasts a high 120Hz refresh rate, HDR, and AMD FreeSync technology.

Best 5K Monitor

2. LG 34WK95U-W 34-inch (best for Thunderbolt)

One of the best Mac 5K monitor options, and perhaps the top LG 5K monitor on the market today, the 34WK95U-W is an amazing display with plenty of great features to offer. 

The powerful 5120 x 2160 resolution combined with a 60 Hz refresh rate makes this a fantastic investment for designers and people with creative skills. 

For Mac users, the LG comes with a variety of ports to choose from, including a Thunderbolt 3 connection, display port, HDMI, and various USB ports. 

You also get the benefit of built-in speakers, and a stunning plug-and play functionality which is easy to set up with any computer or Apple device. 

All this, and LG includes a 1-year parts and labor warranty for peace of mind. 

Features include:

  • Immersive 5k display
  • Fantastic 1200:1 contrast ratio
  • 98% color gamut
  • HDMI and display port connections
  • USB and thunderbolt 3 ports
  • 60 Hz refresh rate
  • 5 ms response time
  • 1-year parts and labor warranty
  • Plug and play functionality

With an almost bezel-free design to give you more screen to work with, the LG seems to take all the needs of any designer into account, with a stunning end-to-end finish. 

Easy plug and play functionality with a clearer and brighter HDR mean you’ll have no trouble creating beautiful designs on this device. 

Pros
  • Stunning 5k display
  • Amazing contrast ratio
  • 98% color gamut
  • Thunderbolt 3 connections
  • Warranty included
Cons
  • Refresh rate could be faster
RECOMMENDED
LG 34WK95U-W 34-inch

The LG 34WK95U-W features a 5K IPS LED display with good picture quality and wide viewing angles to easily share your work. And thanks to the Thunderbolt 3 technology the latency/lag is very low .

Best 5K Monitor

3. LG 34BK95U-W (best color)

Another excellent choice for our list of the top LG 5K monitor options, the 34BK95U has just as many impressive features as you would expect from a company like LG. 

Perhaps the most exciting element of this display is the Nano IPS performance, which gives you a more accurate color and a broader contrast ratio for hyper realistic picture quality. 

Higher dynamic range ensures the dark and brighter portions of your image look incredible, while the 34-inch screen is great for giving you plenty of space. The 5K2K screen comes with a resolution optimized for video editors, including picture-in-picture modes and other productivity options. 

There’s also single cable Thunderbolt 3 connectivity. 

Features include:

  • 5K resolution 5120 x 2160
  • 60 hz refresh rate
  • Thunderbolt 3 and USB C connectivity
  • Ultra-thin bezel
  • 1200:1 contrast ratio
  • 98% color gamut
  • Exceptional Nano IPS performance
  • Plug and play functionality
  • 3 years parts and labor warranty

With an adjustable stand and a beautiful slim bezel, this screen will look perfect in any office environment, or design studio. The plug and play functionality mean you don’t need any complicated software to get things set up either. 

However, the refresh rate could be faster. 

Pros
  • Excellent 5K resolution
  • Thunderbolt and USB connectivity
  • Ultra-thin bezel
  • 1200:1 contrast ratio
  • 3-years parts of labor
Cons
  • Slow refresh rate
RECOMMENDED
LG 34BK95U-W

Multitask at ease with LG's 34BK95U-W UltraWide Monitor. The display features HDR 600 support for enhanced color and brightness which makes it ideal for productivity, especially in the creative scene.

Best 5K Monitor

4. 2020 Apple iMac Retina 5K (best for Apple users)

When it comes to choosing the ultimate 5K monitor, it’s important to consider what kind of work you’re going to be doing with it. For instance, if you’re using advanced software on a Mac, then you need the best Mac 5k monitor. 

This 2020 product from Apple is the perfect investment. Though not the cheapest Apple 5K monitor around, it delivers amazing results.

27 inches in size, the iMac Retina comes with AMD Radeon Pro 5300 graphics, extra speedy Ultrafast SSD storage, and an Intel Core i5 10TH generation processor. There are also two thunderbolt ports for attaching your peripherals. 

The all-in-one solution is a delight to use, with sensational quality, and your computer included as part of the purchase. 

Features include:

  • 10 core processor
  • 5.0 GHz turbo boost
  • 5K ultra-fine HD display
  • Up to 128GB of memory 
  • Sensational 16GB core memory
  • 512GB of storage
  • Camera, microphone and speakers built-in
  • Multiple thunderbolt ports and options

With access to a camera, speakers, and microphone for your video meetings, there are plenty of reasons to invest in this Apple iMac. Combining a 5K performance with a stunning collection of functionality features means there’s something for everyone. 

Pros
  • Excellent all-in-one computer and monitor
  • 5K performance
  • Turbo-boost fast performance
  • Camera, microphone, and speakers included
  • Various input options
Cons
  • Quite expensive
  • Not ideal if you just want a monitor
PREMIUM PICK
2020 Apple iMac Retina 5K

This all-in-one desktop with an integrated 5K display and operates in the Apple ecosystem for max integrate with your existing iDevices.

Best 5K Monitor

5. Samsung Odyssey G9 (best customization)

Our number one choice for the top Samsung 5K monitor, the Odyssey is an incredible device with powerful functionality for all of your professional needs. The 49-inch display might be a little large for some, but it’s ideal if you can’t afford to compromise as you work on side-by-side projects. 

There’s Samsung HDR 1000 technology built-in, and tools for reducing eyestrain. 

One of the best features of this Samsung Odyssey G9 is its distinctive color correction tools. The customization elements mean you can match your monitor to the rest of your gaming setup. There’s a headphone port for audio, though no built-in speakers. 

Overall, the cutting-edge QLED technology means it’s tough to find a better Samsung out there. 

Features include:

  • Huge 49-inch display
  • Side-by-side picture function
  • QLED display with 125% more color space
  • HDR 1000 for better depth and contrast
  • Amazing customization functions
  • 1ms response time
  • Full G-Sync and FreeSync support

Whether you’re working on multiple projects at once, or just keeping your resources handy as you work, the Samsung Odyssey is a fantastic 5K monitor investment. The 1ms response time also means you won’t have to worry about lag getting in the way of your productivity. 

Pros
  • Amazing customization options
  • Eye protection for all-day work
  • Huge screen for managing various projects
  • HDR 1000 built-in
  • Minimal response time
Cons
  • A little too large for some offices
  • Quite expensive
RECOMMENDED
Samsung Odyssey G9

Get immersed with the 49-inch Odyssey G9, which matches the curve of the human eye, for maximum immersion and minimal eye strain. It also sports a low response time and high refresh rate for smooth operation.

Best 5K Monitor

6. LG 49WL95C-WE (best for multi-tasking)

Many of the best 5K monitors today come with curved screens. The curved display doesn’t just look great, it’s also ideal for reducing glare, and improving eye comfort. This version from LG is one of the best 5K monitor for PC and Mac products we’ve seen. 

Though not the cheapest 5K monitor, it offers incredible functionality for a reasonable price. 

The LG 49WKL95C-WE is a large 49-inch display, ideal for working on complex projects where you need access to various apps at once. This multi-tasking ready solution comes with multiple on-screen controls so you can adapt what you see in seconds. 

On top of this, you also get a fantastic USB-C connection, and an adjustable stand. 

Features include:

  • 49-inch 32:9 curved display 
  • USB Type C with 85W PD
  • Multi-tasking solution with dual controller
  • SRGB 99% Color gamut
  • Fully adjustable ergonomic stand
  • HDR 10 
  • Up to 70% more pixel than the standard 32:9 resolution

Ideal for professionals in the graphics landscape, this 5K monitor from LG is easy to work with, and impressive enough to blow any client away. The amazing 5120 x 1440 display will ensure you’re never missing out on picture quality or accuracy. 

Pros
  • Great for multi-tasking
  • Highly convenient and functional design
  • Beautiful color quality
  • Ergonomic curved design
  • USB type C connections
Cons
  • Not ideal for Mac users
  • Quite expensive
BUDGET PICK
LG 49WL95C-WE

Doubling up your screen space with the LG 49WL95C-WE monitor. It's size makes it great for organising photos or editing audio and video side-by-side.

Best 5K Monitor

7. MSI Prestige PS341WU (best for Windows)

While many 5K monitor products work with any operating system, some work better with certain software. This MSI Non-Glare 5K monitor, for instance, is a great choice for Windows users. 

If you’re in need of a 5K monitor for PC, and you like the high-quality materials and accuracy of MSI technology, this is the product for you. 

The Prestige PS341WU monitor comes with a 34-inch screen, designed to support creators and multi-taskers as they work on a host of different projects. There’s a 98% DCI-P3 color gamut with a pre-calibrated factory finish. 

You also get various useful productivity features like picture-in-picture, and picture-by-picture performance. Combine an amazing 5K display with high-performance backlighting, and it’s easy to see why so many people love this display. 

Features

  • 34-inch 5K monitor
  • Excellent picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture tools
  • Ultra-wide finish with minimal bezel
  • Ultra-clear LED backlight
  • Realistic contrast and brightness
  • 98% DCI-P3 color gamut
  • Adjustable ergonomic stand
  • Factory calibrated

The MSI Non-glare 5K monitor looks and feels great if you need a device specifically catered to creatives. The device is VESA mountable, and there’s a great level of color accuracy. The included stand is excellent too, ready to adjust to your ergonomic needs. 

Unfortunately, it’s not the best product if you’re a Mac user. 

Pros
  • Excellent performance for Windows creatives
  • VESA mountable with ergonomic stand
  • Great color accuracy
  • Realistic contrast and brightness
  • Various productivity features
Cons
  • Not ideal for Mac users
  • Some issues with initial set up
RECOMMENDED
MSI Prestige PS341WU

The anti-glare display of the Prestige PS341WU is paired with the DCI-P3 color standard, bringing out the full color expression for your creative needs.

Best 5K Monitor

8. LG 27MD5KL-B ultrafine (best compact)

Though a little older than some devices, the LG 27MD5KL-B is still a fantastic device well-worth your investment. This product is great for creative professionals who only have limited space in the office, as the 5K resolution is squeezed down into a smaller, 27-inch screen. 

Perfect for creators, the 27-inch IPS display captures brightness and color perfectly. 

For Mac users, there’s a Thunderbolt 3 port available with 94W PD, and you’ll also have access to 3 USB Type C ports too. With speakers built-in, you can tune into videos and audio content within seconds. 

There’s also the option to charge your devices from your monitor too. 

Features include:

  • 27-inch 5K monitor
  • DIC-P3 99% color gamut
  • 500 nits of brightness
  • Thunderbolt 3 Port
  • Charging function
  • 3 USB Type C ports
  • Mac compatibility

Capable of transmitting audio, video, and data simultaneously, with an impressive 5K resolution, the LG Ultrafine has it all. The bonus in-built webcam and microphone ensure you can bring a professional image to any video conferencing session you may be signed up for. 

This device is both Windows and Mac compatible. 

Pros
  • Clear brightness and contrast
  • Wall-mounting and adjustable stand
  • Excellent compact finish
  • Thunderbolt 3 and USB C ports
  • Convenient extras like camera and speakers
Cons
  • Not many Thunderbolt ports
EDITORS CHOICE
LG 27MD5KL-B ultrafine

The 27MD5KL-B offers a great display and form factor with Thunderbolt 3 compatibility that can transmit 5k video, audio and data simultaneously as well as charging a device up to 94W with just single connection.

A quick look at the best deals of the day!

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
RECOMMENDED
Sceptre Curved 49 inch Super UltraWide

Sceptre Curved 49 inch Super UltraWide

  • 49-inch ultra-wide curved screen
  • Multiple port options
  • Headphone jack
  • Built-in speakers
  • Multiple screen control options
Check on AmazonCheck on Walmart
RECOMMENDED
LG 34WK95U-W 34-inch

LG 34WK95U-W 34-inch

  • Immersive 5k display
  • Fantastic 1200:1 contrast ratio
  • 98% color gamut
  • HDMI and display port connections
  • USB and thunderbolt 3 ports
Check on AmazonCheck on Walmart
RECOMMENDED
LG 34BK95U-W

LG 34BK95U-W

  • 5K resolution 5120 x 2160
  • 60 hz refresh rate
  • Thunderbolt 3 and USB C connectivity
  • Ultra-thin bezel
  • Exceptional Nano IPS performance
Check on AmazonCheck on Walmart
PREMIUM PICK
2020 Apple iMac Retina 5K

2020 Apple iMac Retina 5K

  • 10 core processor
  • 5.0 GHz turbo boost
  • 5K ultra-fine HD display
  • Up to 128GB of memory
  • Multiple thunderbolt ports and options
Check on AmazonCheck on Walmart
RECOMMENDED
Samsung Odyssey G9

Samsung Odyssey G9

  • Huge 49-inch display
  • Side-by-side picture function
  • QLED display with 125% more color space
  • HDR 1000 for better depth and contrast
  • Amazing customization functions
Check on AmazonCheck on Walmart
BUDGET PICK
LG 49WL95C-WE

LG 49WL95C-WE

  • 49-inch 32:9 curved display
  • USB Type C with 85W PD
  • Multi-tasking solution with dual controller
  • SRGB 99% Color gamut
  • Fully adjustable ergonomic stand
Check on AmazonCheck on Walmart
RECOMMENDED
MSI Prestige PS341WU

MSI Prestige PS341WU

  • 34-inch 5K monitor
  • Excellent picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture tools
  • Ultra-wide finish with minimal bezel
  • Ultra-clear LED backlight
  • Realistic contrast and brightness
Check on AmazonCheck on Walmart
EDITORS CHOICE
LG 27MD5KL-B ultrafine

LG 27MD5KL-B ultrafine

  • 27-inch 5K monitor
  • DIC-P3 99% color gamut
  • 500 nits of brightness
  • Thunderbolt 3 Port
  • Mac compatibility
Check on AmazonCheck on Walmart

Finding the best 5K monitor

5K monitor shopping tips…

Choosing the best 5K monitor is an objective experience. You’ll need to consider how you’re going to be using your monitor each day, and what kind of features matter most before you start shopping. For instance, aside from a 5K monitor resolution, you might want speakers built-into your display. 

Many products come with cameras and microphones for conferencing, and some have other productivity features too. 

To help you choose from the top 5K monitors available today, here are some points to consider:

Productivity features

As mentioned above, many professional monitors come with productivity features. If you’re getting a 5K monitor for design, it’s worth looking for things like picture-in-picture, and picture-by-picture functionality. 

Size and shape

How big do you need your 5K monitor to be? The larger the screen, the easier it is to work on complex projects. However, if you have a small office, you may need a more compact monitor to suit the space. 

A curved screen may also be a preferred option for some customers, while some like smaller, more basic designs. 

Refresh rate

Refresh rate refers to how quickly your monitor can process images. The bigger the number, the better the speed of your monitor. You need to unsure a monitor has a good refresh rate if you’re working on things like video and game design.

Response times

Similar to refresh rate, a good response time can influence the overall performance of your 5K monitor. 

A lower response time will allow you to interact with fast-paced content and videos at a better rate. You can get much better accuracy from your monitor if the response rate is low. 

Ergonomics 

A curved screen isn’t just great for aesthetic purposes; it can also reduce glare and give you better comfort as you work. Look for screens which come with blue light protection and flicker reduction where possible. 

You might also want to consider things like wall mounting and stand adjustments for comfort too. 

Ports

While not every 5K monitor will have ports, it’s good to have at least a handful to work with when possible. Things like USB ports for your peripherals and Thunderbolt ports if you’re a Mac user are crucial. You might also look into things like charging ports for your smartphone. 

Don’t forget headphone inputs too. 

Budget

Paying for a 5K monitor resolution often means expecting a slightly higher price point than you’d get from the majority of screens. These products are naturally more expensive because you’re paying for a better quality of technology. 

However, shopping around could mean you find the best deal available. 

Choosing the best 5K monitors

There’s no one-size-fits-all for the best 5K monitor. You’ll need to think about what you want to accomplish with your display, and what kind of features matter most to you. As the number of 5K monitors on the market continues to grow, you should have a wider selection of options to choose from in the years ahead.

Don’t forget, if you need more help choosing other amazing tools for your design career, check out our other lists. We’ve got plenty of great suggestions to offer. 

Fabrik: A branding agency for our times. 

William Baker
Digital producer
William Baker
Digital producer
As our digital producer, Will regularly contributes to the pages of Brand Fabrik, our online publication dedicated to branding, marketing and design. Will enjoys relaying his enthusiasm for technology and its impact on the creative services sector. He also relishes the opportunity to review the latest design-related products and gadgets.

  • Sign up for updates

    Sign up for your regular dose of Brand Fabrik and be the first to receive insights and inspiration.

  • Sign up for updates

    Sign up for your regular dose of Brand Fabrik and be the first to receive insights and inspiration.

Explore