6 Great Display Choices for Your MacBook Pro and Mac Pro

Apple is getting out of the stand-alone display market—at least for now—and says there are plenty of third-party alternatives to its now defunct Thunderbolt Display. Sorting out which display to buy can be a little intimidating, so The Mac Observer put together a list with some great 4K, 5K, and HD options to help make your shopping a little easier.

Apple killed the Thunderbolt Display, but there are plenty of other optionsApple killed the Thunderbolt Display, but there are plenty of other options

4K Displays

Dell Ultra HD 4K P2715Q

Dell's PCs don't have a great reputation, but don't let that keep you away from their displays—especially the P2715Q. This 27-inch 4K display offers 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, includes HDMI, DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, USB 3.0 ports, audio out, and VESA support. At US$499.99, it won't break your bank, either.

Dell's P2715Q 4K displayDell's P2715Q 4K display

HP Z27s

HP is serious about their displays, and the Z27s is no exception. The display boasts a 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio, HDMI, DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, USB 3.0, and VESA support. It costs a little more than Dell's P2715Q, but TMO's John Martellaro thinks it's totally worth the $641.19 price tag.

HP's Z27s 4K displayHP's Z27s 4K display

5K Displays

Dell Ultra HD 5K UP2715K

The UP2715K from Dell is a lot sexier than its name sounds with excellent 27-inch image quality, DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, USB 3.0, built-in media card reader, built-in speakers, and VESA support. It's priced at $1,539.99.

Dell's UP2715K 5K displayDell's UP2715K 5K display

HP Z27q

Another great 5K display choice is HP's 27-inch Z27q. It supports a 60 Hz refresh for both 4K and 5K resolutions, offers a 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio, includes HDMI, DisplayPort 1.2 and Mini DisplayPort, MHL, USB 3.0, and audio out ports, and VESA support. You can pick up the Z27q for $1,042.51.

HP's Z27q 5K displayHP's Z27q 5K display

Budget Displays

HP Envy 34c

34-inches and curved aren't typically words you'd associate with budget monitors, but at $230 less than Apple's defunct Thunderbolt display, HP's Envy 34c qualifies. The display's resolution clocks in at 3440x1440 with a 10,000,000:1 contrast ratio, HDMI and MHL/HDMI ports, DisplayPort, USB 3.0, built-in speakers, and VESA support. John Martellaro and I both think it rocks, and at $769 you can't beat the price.

HP's Envy 34c 34-inch curved displayHP's Envy 34c 34-inch curved display

Asus PB278Q

Asus may not be the first company you think of when you're display shopping, but it turns out the PB278Q is a really nice monitor at a surprisingly affordable price. This 27-inch display offers 2560x1440 resolution with DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4, and DVI-D ports, 80,000,000:1 contrast ratio, built-in speakers, and VESA support. The price is right, too, at $389.

The Asus PB278Q 27-inch displayThe Asus PB278Q 27-inch display