In 2024, there are extra Thunderbolt displays than ever. Whereas Apple at present affords two choices, its shows at $1,600-$5,000+ gained’t be the correct match for everybody. Fortunately, there are extra inexpensive, strong decisions from LG, BenQ, and Samsung. Beneath, we’ll cowl the perfect Thunderbolt displays for Mac in addition to what you get with a Thunderbolt monitor vs a USB-C monitor.

Replace 1/29/24: Dell has introduced its UltraSharp curved 40-inch 5K2K Thunderbolt 4 monitor that’s launching in February. Take a look at all the main points in our full protection.

Thunderbolt displays vs USB-C displays

Thunderbolt (3 and 4) use the identical bodily connector as USB-C, which affords single-cable connectivity and charging for Macs with displays. Whereas Thunderbolt 4 is obtainable, it’s extra of a rebrand of Thunderbolt 3 with the identical 40 Gbps bandwidth. That’s why you see all the businesses under – even Apple with its Studio Show and Professional Show XDR – use Thunderbolt 3.

So, what’s the distinction between Thunderbolt and USB-C displays? The first distinction for the end-user is the power to daisy chain as much as 6 gadgets with Thunderbolt at as much as 40 Gbps speeds (connecting one peripheral on to the following).

That’s quicker than USB-C 3.1 and three.2, and USB4 assist hasn’t arrived in displays at this level. Thunderbolt might also imply you’ll be able to keep away from a hub or dock. If these options aren’t an enormous deal, it can save you a superb sum of money by going for a USB-C show as an alternative of a Thunderbolt monitor.

For reference, USB-C 3.1 gen 2 can assist as much as 10 Gbps, and USB 3.2 helps as much as 20 Gbps speeds.

Nonetheless, be mindful, many occasions different upgrades like better panel decision and measurement, I/O, and extra go hand-in-hand with Thunderbolt and its better bandwidth, therefore the dearer value. If you wish to try a have a look at USB-C displays, try our round-up:

However under, we’ll focus particularly on Thunderbolt displays for Mac.

Finest Thunderbolt displays for Mac

Samsung ViewFinity S9

The Samsung ViewFinity S9 is the most recent Thunderbolt 4 show in the marketplace. It contains a 27-inch 5K panel, steel construct, 99% DCI-P3, Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, and extra and is instantly aimed toward Apple’s Studio Show.

Specs:

• Slim steel design (aluminum stand however silver plastic again panel)
• 27-inch IPS 5K panel – 5120 x 2880
• 99% DCI-P3
• 600 nits brightness
• 60Hz refresh charge
• 5ms response time
• 1000:1 distinction
• Matte show end
• Constructed-in shade calibration engine
• Common Delta E ≦ 21 shade accuracy
• USB-C and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity
  • 1x Thunderbolt 4 port, 3x USB-C, 1x mini DisplayPort
  • 90W energy supply
• Constructed-in SlimFit 4K webcam
• Built-in audio system with Adaptive Sound+
• Samsung Sensible Hub to be used as a TV (distant included)
• Adjustable peak, tilt, and pivot
• 100 x 100mm VESA mountable
• Worth: $1,599 (typically obtainable for much less)

The ViewFinity S9 5K monitor is obtainable now from samsung.com, Amazon, and extra.

Take a look at a full comparability between the ViewFinity S9 and Apple Studio Show in our information:

BenQ PD3220U

The 32-inch BenQ PD3220U options Thunderbolt, 4K decision, 95% DCI-P3 shade, 85W energy supply for MacBooks, quite a lot of skilled modes, a hotkey puck, a strong steel stand, a number of I/O, and portrait orientation assist.

It’s a robust contender to Apple’s Studio Show however with a bigger panel and several other hundred {dollars} cheaper.

Specs:

• 31.5-inch IPS panel
• 4K – 3840 x 2160 decision
• 16:9 facet ratio
• 60Hz refresh charge
• Brightness: 250 typical, 300 nits HDR peak
• 95% DCI-P3
• 100% sRGB
• HDR10
• Twin Thunderbolt 3 ports – 85W and 15W energy supply
  • Daisy chain with Thunderbolt
• 2 x HDMI 2.0
• 1 x DisplayPort 1.4
• 3 x USB 3.1
• 1 x USB C
• 1 x USB B
• Headphone jack
• Slim bezels
• Panorama and portrait orientation assist
• MSRP: $1,199 (typically obtainable for much less)

You’ll be able to often discover the BenQ PD3220U at Amazon and Adorama.

LG UltraFine 24 & 27-inch Shows

The $1,300 27-inch UltraFine show (reviewed) was actually the one possibility in the marketplace to assist USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 at a full 5K decision till the Apple Studio Show was launched.

However apparently, with bandwidth getting used up for the upper decision, the 27-inch mannequin doesn’t function downstream Thunderbolt ports for peripherals/daisy-chaining, simply USB-C.

At virtually half the worth, the 24-inch 4K UltraFine (full evaluate) is a compelling possibility for an Apple-endorsed show for these okay with the smaller measurement. With an MSRP of $700, it affords upstream and downstream Thunderbolt ports just like the BenQ, so you’ll be able to daisy chain or get the total 40 Gbps speeds with out having to make use of a separate dock.

LG 24-inch UltraFine Show

• 23.7-inch panel with nano IPS
• 4K – 3840 x 2160 decision
• 16:9 facet ratio
• Brightness: 540 nits most
• 60Hz refresh charge
• 98% DCI-P3
• 85W energy supply through Thunderbolt
• 2x Thunderbolt (1 upstream, 1 downstream as much as 40 Gbps)
• 3x USB-C 3.1 gen 1 as much as 5 Gbps
• MSRP $699

The LG 24-inch UltraFine show is obtainable from Amazon and extra (now discontinued at Apple).

Apple Studio Show

Apple’s Studio Show marked the return to prosumer displays after letting LG’s UltraFine sequence function its official suggestion since 2016.

Beginning at $1,599, the Studio Show Thunderbolt monitor is aimed toward those that worth Apple’s refined (and steel) construct high quality however don’t want the actually skilled Professional Show XDR.

Whereas it has a spread of advantages, the Studio Show doesn’t supply downstream Thunderbolt ports however has three USB 3.1 Gen 1 (10 Gbps) ports (and one upstream Thunderbolt 3 port with 96W energy supply).

Specs:

• 27-inch panel
• 5K 5120 x 2880 decision
• 16:9 facet ratio
• 60Hz refresh charge
• 600 nits brightness
• P3 huge shade assist
• True Tone assist
• 1x Thunderbolt 3 port with 96W energy supply
• 3x USB-C ports (3.1 gen 2 as much as 10 Gbps)
• Constructed-in 12 MP extremely huge digicam with Heart Stage assist
• 6-speaker system with Spatial Audio assist
• Studio-quality 3-mic array
• Aluminum construct
• Helps most reference modes as Professional Show XDR besides HDR
• Worth: $1599-$2,299 (relying on the stand and display end)

Studio Show is obtainable from Apple, Amazon, Adorama, Finest Purchase, and extra.

Apple Professional Show XDR

We gained’t get into the total particulars of the Professional Show XDR. However the TL;DR is if you happen to worth the bigger 32-inch display, 6K decision, steel construct, number of reference modes, and don’t thoughts paying $5,000+, it could be price contemplating this over different Thunderbolt displays.

Take a look at our detailed comparability together with extra perspective on the Professional Show XDR and Studio Show:

Compelling 32-inch USB-C funds possibility

For those who’re prepared to forgo Thunderbolt and a few of the different high-end options the displays above supply, an attention-grabbing new show is Samsung’s Sensible Monitor M8.

The successor to the M7, the Sensible Monitor M8 affords a compelling package deal for individuals who desire a 4K decision, USB-C, and a big 32-inch display for $700 (often on sale). It even options an iMac-like design with 4 shade decisions.

Specs:

• USB-C with as much as 65W charging
• 4K 3840 x 2160 decision
• 32-inch panel
• 16:9 facet ratio
• 60Hz refresh charge
• HDR10 assist
• Included magnetic SlimFit webcam with face monitoring
• 400 nits brightness
• 99% sRGB
• 4ms response time
• Constructed-in 2.2 channel audio system
• Accessible in white, blue, inexperienced, and pink
• Slim bezels and general slim design
• Doubles as a sensible TV, with Apple TV+ built-in and AirPlay 2
• Worth: MSRP $699-$729 (often goes for much less)

The Sensible Monitor M8 is obtainable instantly from Samsung and Amazon.

Finest Thunderbolt Displays for Mac wrap-up

Hopefully, now you perceive the variations between USB-C and Thunderbolt displays together with the highest choices in the marketplace – significantly if you happen to don’t wish to spend a number of thousand {dollars} on Apple’s shows.

And if you happen to’ve realized you’d somewhat spend someplace between $200-800 on a monitor, try our round-up of inexpensive USB-C shows:

Thanks for studying our information on the perfect Thunderbolt displays for Macs!