10 Best 5K & 8K Monitors To Buy in July 2021
Take your viewing experience to the next level with our list of the best cutting-edge 5k and 8k monitors for working professionals: graphic designers, programmers & other creatives.
Monitors have come a long way from CRT displays to QHD panels with two times the refresh rate that once used to be the benchmark of innovation in technology.
What are 5K & 8K Monitors and why do you need them?
Although the specifications have changed but the dynamics remain the same.
The question is, do you really need a 5K or 8K monitor?
Regardless of whether you’re a working professional or someone who is just starting out, the benefit of working on higher resolution displays is that you can fit more apps on one screen.
What are 5K and 8K?
Before we dive deeper into what are the best 5K and 8K monitors out there, we need to explore what these terminologies actually translate into.
- 5K is about 5120 × 2880 pixels
- 8K is about 7680 × 4320 pixels
An easy example of screen resolution could be that the higher the pixel count, the tighter those pixels are packed for crisp and vivid picture quality.
I’ve gone ahead and narrowed down the best 5K and 8K monitors for creatives out there so you can save your time and get the best monitor for your buck.
Please note: as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Top 5K and 8K Monitors
- Samsung Odyssey G9— The Best Overall
- LG 34WK95U-W— Best All-Rounder
- Dell UltraSharp UP3218K — Top 8K Choice
- LG 49WL95C-W — Runner Up
- Samsung CRG90— The Premium King
- MSI Prestige PS341WU — Killer 5K Resolution
- Philips 499P9H — The Reasonable Pick
- LG 27MD5KB-B 27"— The Best for Macs
- HP Z27q G3 27"— Budget-Friendly
- Apple Retina 5K iMac — The Best All-in-One
These picks were curated for any audience, so whether you’re in need of high refresh rates or the best HDR capabilities, you’ll find something for yourself.
1. Samsung Odyssey G9
Samsung has been ruling the display market for a while now as it is one of the largest and best manufacturers of displays in the world.
The definition of a high-end flagship screen.
Samsung Odyssey G9 is Samsung’s star product and it put on quite a show when it was launched — mostly due to its extraordinary screen real estate.
And coupled with these specifications, the Odyssey G9 is no less of a powerhouse that functions with the key selling features of a gaming monitor and a tool that can be wielded by working professionals across the board.
The Odyssey G9 stands at just the right spot in terms of performance and focuses on the balance between putting a power-packed punch when you’re gaming to the precision-based HDR 1000 depth powered by Samsung’s revolutionary Quantum-Dot technology.
Specifications:
- 48.8" QHD Display
- 2 x DisplayPort 1.4 | 1 x HDMI 2.0
- 5120 x 1440 Resolution
- 2500:1 Static Contrast Ratio
- 1 ms Response Time (GtG)
- 240 Hz Refresh Rate
- 1.07 Billion Colors
- Built-In USB Hub
Pros:
- Best HDR in a monitor
- The go-to for multitasking
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavy
If you’re looking for more screen real estate while multitasking and to maximize your productivity then Samsung Odyssey G9 is the ideal choice with a whopping 48.8” QHD 1000R display.
Buy the Samsung Odyssey G9 now on Amazon!
2. LG 34WK95U-W
If you’re on the lookout for something that is both premium and powerful then LG 34WK95U-W might be the right investment for you.
The most simplistic 5k monitor for minimalists.
LG has held its title in the consumer electronics market as one of the leading innovators out there that produce high-quality displays and other appliances that make a bold new statement.
The LG 34WK95U-W is a 5K monitor by LG with a 21:9 aspect ratio, although this aspect ratio might often be overlooked considering the current dynamics of how screens are getting bigger.
This monitor works around LG’s legacy of elegance with a native 5K resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate, although this might sound low for a gaming enthusiast the DCI-P3 color gamut accuracy of up to 98% makes it the ideal tool for professional graphic designers and colorists alike.
Specifications:
- 34" IPS Panel
- Thunderbolt 3 | HDMI | DisplayPort
- 5120 x 2160 Resolution
- 5 ms Response Time
- 10-Bit Color Support (8-Bit+A-FRC)
- 60 Hz Refresh Rate
- DisplayHDR 600 & 98% DCI-P3
Pros:
- Ports are easy to reach
- The image quality is unmatched
Cons:
- Hefty price tag
- No adaptive sync or enhanced refresh rate
So if you’re in the market to grab a monitor that outperforms its competitors with a premium outlook then LG 4WK95U-W is the pick for you.
Buy the LG 34WK95U-W now on Amazon!
3. Dell UltraSharp UP3218K
Dell is a brand you can rely on when it comes to delivering performance within a reasonable budget.
The most exceptional display for color professionals.
Dell stands with one of the best choices when it comes to 8K monitors for designers and creatives as it offers unparalleled color accuracy.
The UltraSharp uses Dell’s latest PremierColor technology with the capability to produce an output of a whooping one billion colors!
With two DisplayPorts and an unparalleled 8K resolution, the Dell UP3218K is the ultimate 8K companion to invest in if you’re looking to work with some serious graphical horsepower.
The Dell UP3218K is about superb usability as it is the world’s first 32” 8K Monitor with Dell PremierColor for improved dynamic range.
It also features a hard coating with a 6 ms response time and two DisplayPorts that make it easy for you to view 8K content conveniently.
Specifications:
- 32" Backlit LCD Monitor
- Reflective Hard Coating
- 8K 7680 x 4320 at 60 Hz
- 6 ms Response Time
- 1.07 Billion Colors
- 2 x DisplayPort & Audio Line-out
Pros:
- 8K resolution is amazing
- Sturdy build quality
Cons:
- Requires two display ports
- Not much 8K content to experience
Although there may not be a lot of 8K content available to view out there this innovation by Dell stands among the best 8K monitors in 2021 as it paves the way for a more vibrant future!
Buy the Dell UltraSharp 8K PremierColor now on Amazon!
4. LG 49WL95C-W
LG 49WL95C-W is the ideal tool for media creation and particularly graphic designers because of its extensive screen estate.
The best curved 5K monitor for graphic design.
The LG 49WL95C-W is the powerhouse that hosts plenty of screen real estate and a 32:9 QHD panel that is built for the creators with a tilt, swivel, and adjustable stand.
This screen is ideally recommended for office use due to its elegant design and narrowed bezels that make up for a larger area to work with and ideal for media consumption whether it’s gaming or your very own cinema experience.
The LG 49WL95C-W offers an outstanding screen size with HDR 10 compatibility and a widescreen format that is well-suited for office use or media consumption.
Specifications:
- 49" UltraWide 32:9 Dual QHD (5120 x 1440) Display
- USB Type-C HDR 10
- 2 x 10W Stereo Speaker with Rich Bass
- Ambient Light Sensor
- Height/Tilt/ Swivel Adjustable Stand
Pros:
- HDR quality is great
- Good color accuracy
Cons:
- Just one year warranty
- No enhanced refresh rate
It offers a relatively improved gaming experience but its UltraWide design philosophy is more in line with media creation and professionals whose workflow requires a multi-screen setup.
This easily ranks among the best 5K monitors that you can get at this price point.
Buy the LG 49WL95C-W on Amazon now
5. Samsung CRG90
This can easily be described as the best all-rounder 5K monitor that you can get within a reasonable budget.
The best 5K monitor for video editing and gaming.
The CRG90 does not have that many bells and whistles as its older brother, the Odyssey G9 but it falls at just the sweet spot.
The Samsung CRG90 follows in the footsteps of the Odyssey G9 but at a lesser price and with more relevant features in mind for a gamer who’s looking for an immersive experience.
The Hi-Res 5K screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate delivers impressive performance with modest color accuracy that might not be the best out there but certainly sits in line with its competition and can be used by graphic designers and other professionals.
Samsung’s CRG90 supports up to 1.07 billion colors which means that it is 10-bit HDR compatible and also boasts its proprietary DisplayHDR 1000 technology with a 120 Hz refresh rate display.
The AMD FreeSync and 1800R Curvature add to its viewing capability and empowers it to be more color-accurate for working content creators.
Specifications:
- 49" Vertical Alignment (VA) Panel
- 1 x HDMI 2.0 | 2 x DisplayPort 1.4
- 5120 x 1440 Resolution
- 4 ms Response Time
- Supports 1.07 Billion Colors
- DisplayHDR 1000 & 120 Hz Refresh Rate
- AMD FreeSync II & 1800R Curvature
Pros:
- Great contrast and punchy images
- AMD Freesync with 120 Hz refresh rate
Cons:
- Too big to handle
- Enhanced refresh rate limited by AMD FreeSync
The best part about the Samsung CRG90 is that it is also a highly functional gaming monitor for those gaming enthusiasts out there.
Buy the Samsung CRG90 on Amazon now!
6. MSI Prestige PS341WU
MSI is one of the pioneers of the gaming industry that we have today and they did not go wrong with the Prestige by any means.
The best 5K monitor for gaming & design.
The MSI Prestige PS341WU is the star product of MSI’s monitor line-up, although this monitor might be the first of its kind from its makers as they largely specialize in gaming hardware and R&D.
But this monitor puts in everything that you’d expect from an entry-level monitor.
The price is not that high and relatively low with great perks for beginners and even veteran users.
The MSI Prestige PS341WU features a plethora of features at a reasonable price point, although the only drawback would be that it is from a manufacturer which produces one of the best gaming products in the market yet the display includes a 60 Hz display.
Specifications:
- 34” IPS Panel
- DisplayPort | HDMI | USB Type-C Inputs
- 5120 x 2160 5K Resolution
- 8 ms Response Time
- 60 Hz Refresh Rate
- Supports 1.07 Billion Colors
- Built-In USB Hub
Pros:
- Great 5K resolution panel
- Color quality is better than the competition
Cons:
- HDR lags behind the competition
- Build quality is compromised
But it is ideal for working professionals and especially graphic designers as the IPS panel covers 100% of the DCI-P3 and sRGB color gamut.
With 10-bit HDR viewing capabilities and impressive size of 34”, it definitely ranks among the best 5K and 8K monitors out there.
Buy the MSI Prestige on Amazon now!
7. Philips 499P9H
Philips is the underdog when it comes to monitors but it often exceeds expectations and this time is no exception either.
The second best monitor overall (budget).
SuperWide premium performance with a balanced design philosophy is what the Philips 499P9H is all about.
The Philips 499P9H is a versatile monitor with plenty of features to offer at a reasonable price point.
Although the design choice might not be its strongest suit, it adds a plethora of features that add up to form a significant advantage over its competitors.
This monitor boasts a 49“ IPS panel with USB-C power delivery added for good measure as you can charge other devices that are USB-C compatible.
It also includes a webcam and a curved display for a more immersive experience.
The Philips 499P9H features a 49” IPS panel with a 5K resolution and a 60 Hz display but the DisplayHDR 400 and 91% of Adobe RGB coverage is what makes it an ideal companion for a working professional.
Specifications:
- 49” IPS Panel
- DisplayPort | HDMI | USB Type-C Inputs
- 5120 x 2160 5K Resolution
- 8 ms Response Time
- 60 Hz Refresh Rate
- Supports 1.07 Billion Colors
- Built-In USB Hub
Pros:
- USB — C power delivery
- Vivid image quality powered by Phillips
Cons:
- Buttons instead of joystick for on-screen controls
- Bulky design
The adaptive sync technology allows a smooth refresh and fluid response time to minimize latency issues.
Buy the Phillips 499P9H on Amazon now!
8. LG 27MD5KB-B 27"
LG 27MD5KB-B is a tough title to remember, we know, so it’s also recognized as the UltraFine 5K series. Although the screen real estate that you’re getting is a bit compromised it’s worth every penny.
The best 5k monitor for Macbook Pro owners.
The LG UltraFine series works best with the Apple ecosystem because of its 99% compatibility with the DCI-P3 color gamut
For starters, you have the 27“ 5K panel 10-bit color accuracy, dual 5W speakers accompanied by a webcam, and mic.
This takes care of your basic productivity as the color science of the LG 27MD5KB-B series is directly in line with the best 5K monitors for graphic designers in particular.
LG’s legacy has been to preserve their classic appeal to professionals with a minimalistic design that covers the basics exceptionally well.
Although the 5K resolution might be fruitful in terms of productivity, the 60Hz refresh rate is the hiccup that holds it off from becoming the pick for avid gamers.
Coming to the I/O side, you have one Thunderbolt 3 with three USB Type-C ports that enable you to seamlessly plug in your Mac devices and work with the full-scale P3 gamut and near-to-no latency with the high-speed Thunderbolt port.
Specifications:
- 27" In-Plane Switching (IPS) Panel
- 1 x Thunderbolt 3 | 3 x USB Type-C
- 5120 x 2880 @ 60 Hz Native Resolution
- 12 / 14 ms Response Time (GtG)
- 10-Bit Color Support (8-Bit + A-FRC)
- Supports 99% of the DCI-P3 Gamut
- Dual 5W Speakers, Webcam, and Mic
Pros:
- Display quality is amazing
- Minimalistic design
Cons:
- Dated design and on the bulkier side
- Only compatible with USB-C connectivity
The design philosophy can be classified as a bit dated when you begin to compare it with newer models out there but the LG 27MD5KB-B series offers unparalleled functionality especially for Mac users.
Buy the LG 27MD5KB-B UltraFine 5K on Amazon now!
9. HP Z27q G3 27"
HP Z27q G3 is the latest addition to HP’s lineup in the 5K segment but the most impressive factor about the Z27q G3 is its price as it falls under the budget category with plenty of features to spare.
A budget friendly 5k monitor for creatives.
The HP Z27q G3 sets the mood for a sleek design powered by a 5K display that complements its affordable price
This monitor is not the high-end monster that you would expect in terms of the specs but it is relatively the most efficient and functional monitor in this comparison with a quad USB-A setup, and a USB-C port that features the DisplayPort technology with 100-watt fast charging.
The price for this monitor is arguably the unique selling point whereas you might be able to find better options with a few more bells and whistles but none of them compare to the functionality of the HP Z27q G3.
The picture quality on this display is crisp and evidently, the color balance is also on point.
The white tones could use some improvement but overall it paves the way for an immersive viewing experience.
The package also includes a 100 x 100 VESA mount for easy mounting and a 100-watt USB-C charging capability paired with a quad USB-A setup that keeps all your peripherals charged along with your power-hungry laptop.
Specifications:
- 27-in IPS 5K with LED backlight
- 2560 x 1440 at 60 Hz
- 5 ms Response Time (GtG with Overdrive)
- 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x USB Type-C™, 4x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1
- Includes 100 x 100 VESA Mount
Pros:
- Budget-friendly 5K display
- USB-C with 100 Watt charging
Cons:
- Trouble with image processing
- Not compatible with a wide color gamut
The HP Z27q G3 falls right under the price to performance bracket where you can count on it to outperform other average and cheaper alternatives.
Buy the HP Z27q G3 on Amazon now!
10. Apple Retina 5K iMac
The iMacs represent the finesse of Apple’s legacy and R&D that has paved the way for these remarkable machines to streamline the workflow of professionals ranging from graphic designers to animation studios.
Best all-in-one 5k monitor & computer.
Apple’s 27-inch iMac has been the go-to platform for creators to expand their horizons and work within the Apple ecosystem.
This all-in-one is not that popular for design enthusiasts but it definitely packs a punch in terms of productivity as well.
The 27-inch iMac packs a 5K Retina display right off the bat with 500 nits peak brightness and a wider DCI-P3 color gamut. A lot of users might consider Apple’s True Tone technology as the leap forward but some might consider the warm undertones to taper down its color accuracy.
Nonetheless, the iMacs boast a 5K display that is the best in its class on any Apple device with a configurable nano-textured glass.
This tries to minimize the glare and offer a crystal clear viewing experience like no other.
The only down side to the Apple’s 27-inch iMac would be its larger-than-usual bezels that represent this as a dated design that’s been coming along for centuries but on the performance side of things, the iMacs are perfect for creators from all walks of life.
Specifications:
- 27-inch (diagonal) 5K Retina display
- 5120‑by‑2880 resolution with support for one billion colors
- 500 nits brightness
- Wide DCI-P3 Color Gamut
- True Tone technology
- Configurable with nano-texture glass
Pros:
- All-in-one PC, not just a monitor
- Apple’s eco-system for a streamlined workflow
Cons:
- Hardware cannot be upgraded
- Big & distracting screen bezels
The Apple’s 27-inch iMac is your go-to machine if you’re someone who is familiar with the Apple ecosystem and also needs a 5K display with ample processing power.
Buy the 27“ Apple iMac 5K Retina on Amazon now!
Conclusions
This is my line-up of the best 5K and 8K monitors of 2021 so now you get to choose which 5K and 8K monitor works well with your line of work.
Also check out my other blog post where I feature:
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