10 Thunderbolt Display Alternatives for Apple Macs

With Apple putting its Thunderbolt Display to pasture, users will need to look to third-party alternatives. Here are a few models worth considering.

Dell’s new UltraSharp 27 Monitor comes with a 27-inch screen and an extremely thin bezel to deliver what the company calls the InfinityEdge. In addition to a quad-HD resolution, the screen connects to machines via DisplayPort, miniDisplayPort or HDMI, and has a handful of USB 3.0 ports built-in. The Dell UltraSharp 27 Monitor typically retails for $720, but the company is offering an online special right now for $650.

For those who want a slightly higher-end visual experience, Dell sells the UltraSharp 27 UltraHD 5K Monitor with PremierColor. The screen can be used in both landscape and portrait modes and comes with a 5,120-by-2,880 Ultra HD resolution. Dell says the 27-inch screen has 11 million more pixels than a standard quad-HD display, and offers 99 percent accuracy on AdobeRGB colors. In addition, users will find two Harman Kardon speakers, a bunch of USB 3.0 ports, a media card reader and more. But for all of that, expect to pay a pretty price: The monitor retails for $2,200.

Those who are looking for a big display should consider the 34-inch HP Envy 34c. The monitor has a resolution of 3,440 by 1,440 and comes with a curved screen to deliver 178-degree viewing angles. Users will also find DisplayPort, dual USB 3.0 ports, two HDMI ports and a static contrast ratio of 3,000 to 1. It even comes with a wireless remote if owners want to use it as a television. The Envy 34c is available for $850.

Another big-screen option from HP is the 32-inch HP Spectre 32 Studio Display. The screen has a 4K resolution of 3,840 by 2,160 and features dual HDMI ports and a DisplayPort. Two front-facing speakers sit on either side of the display and, like the Envy, it comes with a wireless remote for controlling on-screen content. The Spectre 32 is $850.

The central focus for the Asus ROG Swift gaming monitor is width. The device, which has a 34-inch screen, has an ultra-wide panel, allowing it to boast a 21:9 aspect ratio. In addition, users will find a 100Hz refresh rate and a gamer-friendly resolution of 3,440 by 1,440. Like the others, the display has several USB 3.0 ports and comes with an anti-glare panel. It’s expensive, though, coming in at $1,300.

The Acer XG is another gamer-focused monitor that can work in both the home and office. The device’s resolution isn’t mind-blowing at just 2,560 by 1,440, but it features a “rapid refresh rate” of 144Hz and a response time of 1ms to reduce lag time in action sequences. The display also comes with a slim bezel, like Dell’s UltraSharp 27. Look for it on store shelves for $500.

In the land of LG, ultrawide technology is the way to go. The company offers a 34-inch, 21:9 UltraWide monitor that can accurately re-create more than 99 percent of all sRGB colors. Users will also be able to charge their phones through the bundled USB 3.0 ports, as well as HDMI for connectivity. There’s even a split-screen feature, so users can see multiple windows at once. LG’s UltraWide monitor goes for $900.

The other higher-end LG monitor available is the company’s 27-inch 4K UHD option. Like the UltraWide, the 4K monitor can accurately represent more than 99 percent of the colors in sRGB and has a game mode for faster-paced action. However, the 27-inch model has a 16:9 aspect ratio and comes with HDMI 2.0 instead of HDMI 3.0. LG’s 4K monitor is available for $500.

Samsung’s 32-inch 970 Series Ultra HD monitor is designed for professionals, according to the company. The display, which costs $1,300, has a full-HD resolution and can accurately represent 100 percent of sRGB colors. In addition, the display features both HDMI and DisplayPort inputs and can even be wall-mounted. It’s a bit on the heavy side, though, tipping the scales at 30.2 pounds with the stand.

If it’s the combination of style and affordability a customer is after, the Samsung 34-inch, ultra-wide curved screen monitor might be a suitable option. The device has a 21:9 aspect ratio, thanks to its curve, and ships with a 3,440-by-1,440 resolution—two-and-a-half times the resolution in full HD. In addition to its curves, the device has two speakers built-in and supports picture-in-picture, so users can view two windows simultaneously. Best of all is the price tag: $700 for all those features.