Asus ProArt Display 5K Review - the $799 Studio Display alternative!

The ASUS ProArt Display 5K (amzn.to/4fFXBEl) is an excellent choice if you're looking for a true 5K (5120x2880) 27-inch panel to pair with your Mac, but don't want to spend a fortune on the Studio Display. Join me as I take a closer look. Full written review: 9to5mac.com/20...
Transparency: Asus provided this display for review. Asus has zero say-so in the thoughts and opinions expressed and did not get to see this review before publication.
Products featured in this video:
Asus ProArt Display 5K: Amazon amzn.to/4fFXBEl | B&H: bhpho.to/409c5rU
Apple Studio Display: amzn.to/3PheOJu
Mac mini: amzn.to/4gsuxSj
Yamaha HS4 Studio Monitors: amzn.to/3ZU98tT
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction
Tags
#Mac #asus #monitor

[@nico4477]

You haven't mentioned the panel at all: the uniformity, the colours, the problems such as backlight bleeding. For most of the video only the aesthetics are mentioned. No offense, but I think it takes a little more effort to review a monitor, IMHO

[@AzVfL]

Generally, I've never been impressed by any 9to5mac video review

[@dannyize]

Respectfully, I disagree with both comments above. I find 9to5mac reviews are usually helpful, and this is one of their best. This review helped me decide not to buy Apple's Studio Display. I ordered the Asus 5K, and I'm eagerly awaiting it. I really wanted the Studio Display but I couldn't abide the cost for a mere 60Hz refresh rate. I do have concerns about the Pro Art's matte finish, and - to a lesser extent - on panel quality and backlight bleed. A lot of my decision is down to cost. Further, ASUS' better connectivity means less lockdown to Apple's garden. ASUS has a good reputation and so, with a bit of luck, I won't regret my choice.

[@9to5Mac]

No offense taken! There's a bit more detail in the written review that touches on some of these things, but you made a fair point. It's been a while since I've posted any review, so I feel like I'm getting my feet wet again. Thanks for the constructive feedback.

[@9to5Mac]

@@AzVfL Hopefully we can change your thoughts on that.

[@9to5Mac]

@@dannyize Thanks!

[@BasicFolders]

Yes! Nice to hear you mention you prefer the glossy display, it's nice to know it's not only me...

[@WarriorsPhoto]

Jeff, I love your reviews. You always present products well. You show pros and cons. 😊 Thus I leave feeling like I can make an educated choice. 😮😅

[@devonglide1830]

Are you sure that wobble isn't from your desk? The studio is completely made of thick metals, I don't see how typing on a unattached keyboard is going to make the chasis wobble.

[@techinrl9869]

The big question about any third party monitor is whether it wakes up when the Mac does. Most PC monitors do not reliably wake up while Apple’s monitors come on instantly. That is the deal breaker for me.

[@gchetail]

I have the 32" ProArt and it wakes up with the MacBook Pro no problem.

[@techinrl9869]

@ That’s good to know. I’ve used so many monitors that just won’t wake up consistently. Thanks!

[@cyberlizardcouk]

seems amazing, but I can't find any sellers or stock in the UK

[@GamingPIPI]

They should’ve done better with the design and make a glossy screen. THAT would be a great competitor.

[@9to5Mac]

We can hope. The Dough Spectrum 4K that we reviewed had a glossy display, so we know that companies are aware of this want.

[@GamingPIPI]

@ ohh nice

[@Tigerex966]

Yes glossy would be about _100 to $200 cheaper like the studio display. You are trading picture in picture multiple inputs kvm versa mount rotating stand free matte finish metal and plastic USB hub 3 year warranty lower price. For all metal build cheaper glossy display less wobble stand is extra as is matte better looking design some Mac features like volume and brightness from the keyboard 1 year warranty.

[@Tigerex966]

​@@9to5Macsome reviews say it's too glossy.?

[@dannyize]

No, the controversy is about ASUS' choice to put a matte finish on the ProArt. I went ahead and ordered this new ASUS 5K despite preferring a glossy screen. ASUS seems like a better deal overall, so I'll make that compromise.

[@craigw.scribner6490]

Great review and comparison! Thanks!

[@mubeenmi4i547]

05:00 - It should be issue with your Table and/or its platform

[@dannyize]

Surprises me that several posters presume that our presenter is unable to differentiate between a monitor that wobbles slightly and a wobbly table. Is it just the Kool-aid or the more likely Dunning-Krueger effect?

[@barrsm]

Good review. If monitor wobble while typing bothers you, I would first try a sturdier desk.

[@9to5Mac]

Hmm, interesting. I think my desk is pretty solid. It's one of those husky units from Home Depot. But you may have a point.

[@barrsm]

@@9to5Mac Sometimes screws loosen over time. Counterintuitively, you could also try a quality monitor arm or a mat under the monitor stand. There will always be some movement but the trick is to dampen it.

[@l21n18]

@@barrsm couldn’t you put it on a heavy book or something else?

[@barrsm]

@@l21n18 Worth a try but it would depend on the book.

[@AzVfL]

@@9to5Mac Or try a desk mat to dampen the vibrations

[@Tigerex966]

Ben Q has a matte 5 k coming soon as well and Dell has their matte 6 k fir $2000

[@robertmyers6488]

I wish you had gone into the ips black panel aspects compared with the Studio. A new tech that wasn't available when when Apple put out the Studio.

[@EthanDM]

The matte is very strong on this display and was too much for me. It diffuses light impressively, but adds too much grain. Sticking with my 4k Dell UltraSharp's until a 5k option comes around that has a better balance between clarity and glare.

[@wingsley]

It's my hope that, in the coming year, the price of the Asus 5K display comes down and makes it even more competitive. For right now, though, if you have about $800 laying around and you need a good 5K monitor, then combine it with an aftermarket webcam and speakers and you've got yourself a winner.

[@quentinsjames]

Any idea when this will actually go on sale in the UK/EU? Nobody this side of the pond seems to know - not even ASUS!

[@9to5Mac]

I will ask Asus and reply back if I get word.

[@quentinsjames]

@@9to5Mac 🙏

[@AzVfL]

It is already available in France & Germany for very select vendors

[@Tigerex966]

Apple one year warranty. Matte and good stand extra cost Apple care 3 year warranty extra. Asus 3 year warranty good stand included matte included Comparably equipped the studio display is more than $1000 dollars more you could buy a mac mini pro

[@Tigerex966]

Actually apple studio display nano is also matte and apple charges more for it and yes it dies take away some clarity on the studio display as well this is not unique to non apple brands

[@martinXY]

It's an option on the ASD, not optional on the Asus 5k.

[@chidorirasenganz]

Also the nano texture is high quality since you lose less contrast because the glass is etched instead of a flim covering the display

[@Tigerex966]

@chidorirasenganz this is similar to the claim by Asus Dell and Benq new nanomatte 5k Each one says their take on matte is the best quality and unique and each give it a new copyrighted name. Let's not fall for that hype. Just get them together and compare. The ones blocking the most reflection will be less clear if course. Some are applied some sprayed on etc. But neither is automatically better or more quality unless they can back it up with independent tests.

[@chidorirasenganz]

@ what you just stated was completely false. Aside from Apple they all use flim over their displays and they’ve already have been compared. They have inferior contrast. It’s nothing new

[@Tigerex966]

@chidorirasenganz you have to be insane to think only apple can make a good nano matte finish that is quality. Even BenQ says their nano matte is world class as do the others as well without an additional charge All will not be as clear as a glossy screen all will have different levels of success finding the balance between fighting reflection and keeping everything sharp and clear no matter if it's sister on a film or whatever method they choose.

[@PadPoet]

If this was a miniLED monitor it would be an instant buy on my end. Sadly after experiencing miniLED panels I can’t go back to just a simple IPS display. The IPS backlight issues is something that really bothers me.

[@brafya]

what are you using now/what do you suggest? i cant think of a ton of mini led, maybe the sony m9 II but it's not 5k, what a terrible fate macos users are confined to due to the way macos scaling works! :(

[@PSYCHOV3N0M]

Mini LED is NOT a panel type whatsoever. It's a backlight type. LCD is a panel type. IPS is a sub-panel type. There are TV's that are Mini LED IPS LCD, Mini LED VA LCD, etc. Get your facts straight.

[@PadPoet]

@@PSYCHOV3N0M I know, I should have phrased it better. Relax.

[@PadPoet]

@brafya I am using two monitors. An OLED LG Ultragear 27GS95QE-B and a way cheaper Xiaomi 27i IPS HDR miniLED one. The Xiaomi for the price (around 300 euros on black friday) was a killer deal, best VFM. It has some flaws but I can't complain for what I paid for it. Sadly I don't have anything to recommend for a decent 5K display monitor.

[@brafya]

@@PadPoet didnt know xiaomi had a mini led screen thats awesome. i have a xiaomi 34 at work thats a few years old and its really nice altho we sit in in bright rooms so i wouldnt see backlight bleed there, but at home this stuff drives me nuts on a daily basis!! thanks for the response👍

[@badwolf489]

iMac with 5k resolution display was announced in 2014. I hope there are more various 27 inch 5k, 32 inch 6k display choices.

[@Tigerex966]

@@badwolf489 you can but an iMac 5k and elgati ,4k plus so you can use it a monitor.

[@johnharrold753]

I’ve never experienced monitor wobble, it may be your typing intensity. If it’s really a problem I would recommend trying dynamat (automotive vibration dampening) for under your keyboard or monitor.

[@mvp_kryptonite]

So editing HDR content won’t give you the range needed but watching AppleTV will be fine, does Apple TV not support HDR?

[@erwinmesi]

+1 to other people's comments - the wobble is from your desk, not the monitors' fault, other than that, great video.

[@9to5Mac]

It’s both. The monitor definitely wobbles more than the studio display.

[@ThoughtFission]

Can I ask? Where did you get that tool cabinet?

[@9to5Mac]

Menards

[@snowwny]

I love those Husky work benches.

[@psrfpsrf]

I am interested to invest in the new iMac mini 4 and look also for alternative Monitors cheaper than the Apple. What I miss is an integrated pair of Stereo speakers in an acceptable quality and a webcam.

[@fsdafas749]

I think they messed up with the styling. 5K is a resolution really only interesting for Mac users. Many of who would consider the styling mismatch with Apple's products, and will consider something else.

[@vladsavchuk5265]

Not correct. 5K resolution is ideal for the 27" size. I'm a PC user who is waiting for 5K monitor with Windows and Linux. I've been working on 27" 2560x1440 for the last 10 years. 27" is ideal for me but I want more pixel density for better text clarity with even 2x (200%) scaling. 27" with 4K or 31.5" with 4K forces to deal with 1.75x (175%) or 1.25x (125%) scaling, which is not ideal. Once I even wanted to buy a Studio Display to connect to the PC with the cheapest used Mac mini just to set the brightness:)

[@okolol]

is there a 32 inch version?

[@dr_that_guy]

@@okolol I think there is a 6k 32 inch coming soon.

[@okolol]

@dr_that_guy oh that's great to hear! can't wait to have one of those around the studio!!!

[@andersistbesser]

So this is not good for editing and it is not for gaming. So why should someone buy it?

[@ryj5284]

not everyone needs a pro type studio display. one that would less, would be great

[@9to5Mac]

Agreed. I'm glad this display exists. It's actually super nice to be able to easily connect an HDMI device to it. Go figure.

[@moogle17]

Once I tried a matte display for a while I think my eyes feel much less tired at the end of the day. I really love them now. Though going back to a glossy display after a while it does give a wow factor. I’d stick to matte.

[@9to5Mac]

That's a fair take. I wish there was a best-of-both-worlds scenario. The Apple nano-texture tech is probably that, but even it can't compete with the sharpness of glossy. It's like viewing text in HD.

[@stevemuzak8526]

There should be an option between matte display and glossy display.

[@9to5Mac]

I agree, but the more I use this display, the more I like it. The matte is a pretty good quality. I'm starting to realize how many reflections I deal with on the Studio Display. Still don't know if I'll end up making the switch permanently. But I might.

[@Gael_AG]

Design is important and to my taste it la la of harmony , frame is bulky and the stand is meh Built quality is the most important in an era where inflation is high . And you can’t beat the audio quality of the Apple one

[@RAM_Krish_InfoTech_2024]

Dell U4025QW, with higher WCG & 140 ppi (5K, Ultrasharp Monitor) with 120 Hz Refresh rate, but it's more expensive than others and better (in specs) and equivalent (in pricing) when compared with MAC Studio.

[@9to5Mac]

That's a 5K2K. Nice, but def not what most Mac users want IMO.

[@Buddy308]

@@9to5Mac I wasn't familiar with that term, 5K2K before, but it's certainly something one must know about before considering acquisition of a 3rd-party 5K display. Thanks!

[@itsgmani]

Who doesn’t use a Matte glass other then apple these days?

[@AzVfL]

Some OLED monitors

[@TechGameDev]

imac 2015-2020 27 inch has the same screens but less bright

[@michelemarangoni]

If only they made a 27" iMac and iMac Pro

[@Emma-tm1mx]

Looks like the dell ultrasharp series (design wise)

[@menjivarTv]

Okay so I can get this monitor and some decent speakers for $250 and save myself almost $600 compared to Apple's options.

[@JohnWilliams-gy5yc]

Welp, just stop buying $800 60Hz IPS, because at $800, you'd better go with 144Hz new gen OLED choices that are now flooding all over the place.

[@ilavoscracker5643]

60hz I know its not a gaming monitor, but I still think its really a joke in 2024 we still have 60hz monitors. And cost 799. Deal breaker.

[@A.H_610]

27” is too small

[@9to5Mac]

It's not if you wish to maintain the 218 ppi.

[@marcpiac]

Exactly! Best is BENQ MA320U, specially done for Macs.

[@AzVfL]

Asus also will make a 32" 6k

[@Mannipth]

🎉 Yeah 👍🏻

This is one dumb review that says "pick Asus because they paid us" all over. What a waste...

[@cristirenault]

27... thanks, no.

[@vagrantpistol]

The back light bleed on that monitor is really bad. Just because it’s an affordable option doesn’t mean it’s good.

[@9to5Mac]

It's not really bad though. At least not on my review sample it isn't.

[@vagrantpistol]

@@9to5Mac I saw 3 other reviews and all 3 had very noticeable back lighting issues.

[@bryans8656]

I wish this display had been available before I bought my budget Samsung 4K display. I have the 2K ASUS ProArt and it has been rock solid.

[@ANTGPRO]

27 inch... gg

[@TechGameDev]

just buy a oled

[@martinXY]

Which ones would you suggest looking at?

[@JohnWilliams-gy5yc]

@@martinXY Low end: MSI MAG 321UP 32" Top end: Asus ROG PG32UCDM 32" Pro tips: OLED are very close at the performance. Do not overspend on what you do not even really make use of.

[@snazzysailor]

Only 60 hz. I would rather have 4k and high refresh rate.

[@Rise9192Against]

I don't like it. Not good for my money. Sorry.