The 4 Best 5K and 8K Computer Monitors of 2021

Best Overall: Samsung 49" CHG90 Curved Gaming Monitor

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The Samsung CRG9 is not the first, nor is it the only 49-inch 5120x1440 (dual Quad HD) monitor, but it is the first to tackle a specific niche: Gamers. With it, you get the benefits of an ultra-wide 32:9 aspect ratio along with a 5K resolution, and a 1800R curved screen that puts the action all around you. Samsung’s “super vertical alignment” (SVA) panel offers improved viewing angles over typical VA screens and offers excellent color space coverage boosted by quantum-dot technology. It’s also compatible with HDR10, with great light-dark contrast and a peak brightness of 1000 nits.

Of course, with all this picture quality, serious gamers need performance to match, and the CRG9 seeks to deliver. Its speedy 120Hz refresh rate and 4ms response time are unmatched among 5K displays. On top of this is support for AMD’s FreeSync 2 variable refresh rate technology, which minimizes screen tearing and ensures smooth gaming even at an ultra-high resolution (assuming you have an AMD graphics card). Other features reduce screen flickering and blue light emissions so your play sessions can carry on with greater comfort.

Best for Macs: LG 27MD5KB-B 27" UltraFine 5K Monitor

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The LG UltraFine 5K Monitor was created in partnership with Apple, and after resolving some earlier hardware issues, the 27MD5KB-B is here as a stunning 5K display designed to accompany your MacBook Pro. It can connect only to compatible Mac models with a USB-C Thunderbolt 3 input, which also delivers 85 watts of power to keep your laptop charged. There are creative ways out there to connect to other computers (usually not at 5K), though its limited compatibility is enough to keep the LG 27MD5KB-B from taking the “Best Overall” title it might have otherwise earned from us.

The glossy 27-inch monitor’s defining feature is its true 5K native resolution of 5120x2880 pixels — or 218 PPI. It can also operate at a 2560x1440 resolution, enhanced with Retina mode, resulting in a crisp and clear display that many users may actually prefer. The IPS panel offers very wide viewing angles, 500 nits of brightness, and vivid colors in the DCI-P3 standard.

If you’re looking for a stylish Apple design to match, you may be disappointed by the 27MD5KB-B’s fairly basic black plastic exterior with relatively large bezels. It does, however, fit a built-in camera and microphone into the top bezel, along with down-firing speakers at the bottom. There are no buttons on the monitor at all—brightness, volume, and other settings are controlled from your device — and besides the primary Thunderbolt port, there are only three other USB-C ports for additional accessories.

Best Curved: Philips 499P9H 49" SuperWide Curved Monitor

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The Philips 499P9H presents an ultra-wide 5K monitor option with attractive features. Like others in its class, it projects a resolution of 5120x1440 (also known as dual Quad HD) to a massive 49-inch screen with a 32:9 aspect ratio. Because it uses a vertical alignment (VA) panel, viewing angles aren't as wide as those with IPS tech. Nevertheless, the 1800R curvature helps with viewing, immersion, and eye comfort.

The VA panel exhibits vibrant colors and a strong 3000:1 contrast ratio. It also offers fast pixel response times and minimal input lag, which — combined with adaptive-sync support — make for a smoother gaming experience. Games and movies can benefit from HDR on the 499P9H, though DisplayHDR 400 (only requiring 400 nits of max brightness) isn't the best HDR experience you can get.

Other convenient features built into the monitor include two 5-watt speakers, a USB-C docking station for your laptop, and a KVM switch to control two different PCs with a single keyboard and mouse. There’s also a pop-up webcam at the top, with infrared support for extra security through Windows Hello facial recognition.