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Head-to-head · Best 4K Monitors

Apple Studio Display vs BenQ PD3220U

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

BenQ PD3220U comes out ahead by a clear margin (3.8 vs 4.7). The gap is mostly about Multi-computer users needing a KVM switch and Thunderbolt 3 — read the strengths below before deciding.

Apple Studio Display
Ranked #5 in Best 4K Monitors
Apple Studio Display
$1,599as of Apr 25

The Apple Studio Display is a 27-inch 5K monitor purpose-built for Mac users, with a 218-PPI Retina panel, 600-nit P3-wide gamut, and an integrated six-speaker spatial-audio system plus 12MP Center Stage webcam. Tom's Guide and Digital Trends praise its near-flawless color and seamless macOS integration, while MacRumors and MKBHD note the lack of HDR, 60Hz cap, and $400 stand upcharge make it a hard sell against the Samsung ViewFinity S9. Best for users already deep in Apple's ecosystem.

Strengths
  • — Stunning 5120x2880 5K Retina panel with 218 PPI density and accurate P3 color out of the box
  • — Best-in-class six-speaker system with spatial audio and three-mic studio-quality array
  • — Center Stage 12MP ultrawide webcam ideal for video calls without external accessories
Watch-outs
  • — No HDR support and only 60Hz refresh, despite the premium $1,599 price
  • — Tilt-only stand by default; height adjustment is a $400 upgrade
  • — Limited utility outside macOS — no on-screen display, no DisplayPort or HDMI inputs
$1,599 · Buy at apple.comFull review →
BenQ PD3220U
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best 4K Monitors
BenQ PD3220U
$400as of May 8

The BenQ PD3220U is a professional-grade 32-inch 4K monitor praised for its excellent display performance, versatile connectivity including Thunderbolt 3, and a convenient KVM switch. Its sleek design and high-quality build make it a strong contender for creative professionals, though the built-in speakers are a weak point and its brightness is only adequate for HDR.

Strengths
  • — Excellent display performance with 4K resolution, high pixel density, and HDR capability
  • — Wide range of connectivity options including Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C
  • — Built-in KVM switch for easy control of multiple computers
Watch-outs
  • — Built-in speakers are not great
  • — Brightness is only 350 cd/m2, which is not ideal for HDR content
$400 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Apple Studio Display

Where the BenQ PD3220U brings KVM and Thunderbolt 3 to a 32-inch 4K canvas and the Dell U2723QE wins on hub flexibility and IPS Black contrast, the Apple Studio Display trades feature breadth for higher pixel density (218 PPI vs. ~140 PPI on the BenQ/Dell) and a tightly Mac-integrated experience. It is the only pick here with built-in studio-quality speakers and a webcam, but lacks HDR, KVM, and the open OS support of the Dell.

BenQ PD3220U

The BenQ PD3220U offers a unique advantage with its built-in KVM switch, allowing seamless control of multiple computers, a feature absent in the Dell U2723QE, LG UltraFine 32UN880-B, and ASUS ProArt PA279CRV. It also boasts Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, which is more advanced than the USB-C on the LG and ASUS, though its brightness is less ideal for HDR than some competitors, and it doesn't match the 5K resolution of the Samsung ViewFinity S9.

Specs side-by-side

SpecApple Studio DisplayBenQ PD3220U
Panel Type27-inch IPS LCD31.5" IPS
Resolution5120 x 2880 (5K, 218 PPI)3840x2160
Refresh Rate60 Hz60Hz
HDR SupportHDR10HDR10
Color GamutDCI-P3 wide color, factory calibrated95% DCI-P3, 100% sRGB
Connectivity1x Thunderbolt 3 host (96W PD), 3x USB-C downstreamThunderbolt 3 (85W), HDMI 2.0, DP 1.4
Brightness600 nits typical (no HDR)350 cd/m2
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