

When the Apple Studio Display released, it was quickly criticized for seemingly being an LG Ultrafine 5K display in an Apple shell. Why we chose the LG Ultrafine 5K 27MD5KL-B: Who's it for: People looking for the absolute best display for MacOS and a bargain. Why you should buy this: The display is almost exactly the same as the Studio Display, but a few hundred bucks cheaper. Plus, the M8 has a height- and tilt-adjustable stand without requiring you to pay extra.


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. However, at $700 (less than half the cost of the Studio Display), its flaws are more forgivable. It has fewer ports, isn't as bright, and has a wonky webcam. It even supports AirPlay, so the M8 will work seamlessly with your other Apple devices. The M8 also has a built-in SmartTV hub that works right out of the box. The video quality still looks great on the M8 though, and with HDR10+ support, colors are bright and vibrant. The M8 has a 32-inch display, which makes it larger than the Studio Display, at an admittedly lower 4K resolution. 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 is a great StudioDisplay alternative because it looks almost exactly like it. Take one look at the Samsung M8 Smart Monitor, and it's immediately apparent why it tops this list. Why we chose the Samsung M8 Smart Monitor: Who's it for: People who want the design language of the Apple Studio without the cost. Why you should buy this: It's an Apple Studio lookalike that's half the cost.
