ViewSonic's new 5K monitor rivals Apple's Studio Display for half the price

ViewSonic's new 27-inch high-resolution monitor offers pro-level color accuracy for creatives without the premium Apple Studio Display price.

The VP2788-5K marks an important step in ViewSonic's expansion into the premium creative display space. While the company has long been a player in the professional monitor segment, this is its first 5K-resolution display.

ViewSonic is positioning it as a direct competitor to Apple Studio Display and LG's UltraFine 5K.

Connectivity is a major advantage here. Unlike Apple's Studio Display, which relies solely on Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C, the VP2788-5K offers a wider range of ports for greater flexibility across devices.

The downstream Thunderbolt 4 port on the VP2788-5K improves multi-display setups and high-speed peripheral connectivity.

• Thunderbolt 4 (2) - One upstream (100W power delivery) for connecting to a Mac or PC, and one downstream (15W power delivery) for daisy-chaining a second 5K monitor or connecting high-speed peripherals.
• USB-C (2) - One upstream (15W power delivery) and one downstream (15W power delivery) for additional device connections.
• USB-A - Part of an integrated USB hub for connecting accessories like keyboards, mice, and external drives.
• HDMI 2.1 (1) - Expands compatibility with non-Thunderbolt devices, including gaming consoles and PCs.
• DisplayPort (1) - Allows a direct connection to GPUs and older systems.

Unlike Apple's Studio Display, which lacks a downstream Thunderbolt port, the VP2788-5K allows users to daisy-chain another 5K monitor or connect high-bandwidth accessories like RAID storage, eGPUs, or docks.

ViewSonic ColorPro VP2788-5K balances affordability & professional-grade features

The VP2788-5K undercuts Apple's Studio Display, which starts at $1,599. It lacks some of Apple's premium design elements — such as an all-aluminum enclosure, built-in speakers, and an integrated webcam.

However, it makes up for that with broader device compatibility and a strong focus on color accuracy.

The VP2788-5K offers Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort, and an integrated USB hub. Image credit: ViewSonic

With 99% DCI-P3 and HDR400, the VP2788-5K offers pro-level color accuracy for creatives at a lower cost than Apple's Studio Display, which boasts near-perfect sRGB, DCI-P3, and True Tone. However, the VP2788-5K's 75Hz refresh rate and 14ms response time make it less suited for gaming or low-latency tasks.

While the Studio Display remains a top-tier option for Mac users with deep macOS integration, spatial audio, and native scaling optimizations, the VP2788-5K offers a more affordable and versatile alternative. Its Thunderbolt 4 support ensures fast 40Gbps data transfer, 100W power delivery, and daisy chaining of two 5K monitors.

Apple's Studio Display still benefits from long-term macOS software updates, which may fine-tune its performance over time. ViewSonic's monitor is designed to work well with Apple's scaling features, but it may not match Apple's macOS experience in every aspect.

ViewSonic ColorPro VP2788-5K - Pricing & availability

The ViewSonic ColorPro VP2788-5K, now available for $849.99, offers professional color accuracy and Thunderbolt 4 support at an affordable price. It's an option to consider for creatives seeking high-resolution clarity, Mac-optimized color performance, and broad connectivity.