Is there a better alternative?

If you’re looking for a Mac-specific display, LG’s UltraFine feels a lot like a first-party panel made by Apple. Given its prominent placement in Apple’s retail stores, the product gets a subtle endorsement by Apple when the Thunderbolt Display was discontinued. And at $700, it may be an affordable piece of hardware for Apple users accustomed to paying premium pricing, but PC users can find better deals by looking elsewhere.

　　One alternative to the UltraFine for Mac creatives is BenQ’s PD3220U, a display that supports many of the features on LG’s model, like USB-C port on-board, support for a wide P3 color space, and 4K resolution. If you have a more expansive desk, the BenQ may be a better option, giving its 32-inch screen size dwarves the 24-inch panel on the UltraFine 4K. At $1,200, the BenQ is a considerable premium over the 24-inch UItraFine, but still costs $100 less than LG’s larger 27-inch UltraFine 5K.

　　If you’re willing to spend a little bit more than the UltraFine 24, at $839, you can get a significantly larger canvas with Dell’s 43-inch 4K Multi-Client P4317Q monitor. Graphics designer and photographers more accustomed to pixel-peeping may find Dell’s UltraSharp 32 UP3218K an attractive option with its vivid 32-inch display supporting Dell’s PremierColor technology and 8K of pixel resolution. At $3,2899, the 8K panel costs significantly more than the UltraFine 4K, but is very competitive against Apple’s Pro Display XDR.

　　

How long will it last?

Sporting a 4K resolution screen and a color accurate display, the UltraFine will be a tool in your creative arsenal that will last you for years to come. Given its modern USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 ports, the panel is almost guaranteed to work with any new or future Mac, MacBook series, or iPad Pro in the foreseeable future. The only thing holding back LG’s UltraFine is its short warranty and its non-existent support for non-Mac users.

　　

Should you buy it?

If you’re a Mac creative professional, the LG UltraFine is an excellent and affordable companion to your MacBook, coming in at a lower entry price than the Apple-branded Thunderbolt Display that it replaces. Modern ports and an understated design help you keep focus on your projects.