I follow closely the trend of monitors because I’m always considering one for my laptop, sooner or later. I’ve decided to digress a bit from MoneyPlato online and trading-related topics, delving a little bit into hardware. After all, we use displays extensively every day, whether for stock trading monitoring or for our online business and divagations.
So here are 3 alternatives, excellent monitors especially regarding color accuracy and great specs. Two of them are both for Macs and PCs, while the third – still just rumored – is for Apple computers only. Some of those models were announced at the crossing between 2025 and 2026, and while one of them is already available just now, the others will shine in this 2026 just started.
- Choosing a new, beautiful monitor is always worth it
- BenQ glossy version of an already very good monitor
- LG announces a 5K 27-inch mini LED
- Apple rumored upgrade to its ordinary and pricey Studio Display
- To sum up: what monitor to buy now, whether for Mac or PC?
Choosing a new, beautiful monitor is always worth it
When you start seriously thinking about pairing a monitor with a performant PC or MacBook, whether for productivity, creative work, or long sessions of writing and coding, you quickly realize how important the right screen is. External displays are all about color accuracy, comfort, connectivity, and longevity.
Over the last couple of years, monitor tech has shifted significantly toward higher resolutions, wider color gamuts, better USB-C/Thunderbolt integration, and more advanced backlights like Mini-LED and OLED.
I watched for the monitor news and picked two of the most interesting new models, plus a rumored third announcement. The first two are excellent monitors – which while on paper are aimed at demanding Mac users, can be amazing choices for PC users too. In 2026, it’s worth understanding both the established options and what new choices are emerging so you can decide whether to buy now or wait for what’s around the corner.
BenQ glossy version of an already very good monitor
One of the most talked-about budget-friendly monitors (around the 500-600 €/$ price tag) right now is the BenQ MA270UP. This 27-inch 4K Nano-Gloss IPS display is built with Mac workflows in mind, offering excellent color coverage in the P3 space and Apple-focused tuning right out of the box. PC users, however, will equally benefit from a bright and color-accurate screen. Note that this monitor is just the glossy version of the model MA270u, which is matte and was available for some time.
That new glossy iteration model was announced in late 2025 and is becoming available right now, worldwide, across 2025 and early 2026. In Asia markets, it has become available first, and other regions are now able to receive it, according to spot news online.
BenQ’s MA series has earned a solid reputation because it tends to work very well with macOS: once connected via USB-C, brightness and color sync smoothly without hunting through menus. There’s an app from BenQ that makes that syncing possible.
The glossy panel on the MA270UP specifically makes the visuals pop in a way that feels closer to the built-in Retina experience of a MacBook, something many creatives appreciate. The image quality of the matte version was already praised to be competitive with displays costing substantially more, and its stand and ergonomics are thoughtful for long desktop sessions. So, this glossy version is probably even more Apple-like in the kind of experience it will give. Glossy screens, paired with IPS LCD technology, while prone to reflections, tend to appear more contrasty, so the overall experience could really please the eye.
This monitor may not be addressed for some specific purposes – 60Hz refresh and the lack of built-in webcam or top-class speakers mean it won’t replace all-in-one options or gaming monitors – but for many people buying their everyday external display, it’s an accessible, very high-quality choice.
LG announces a 5K 27-inch mini LED
Stepping up a level, there’s been an exciting resurgence of 5K-resolution monitors. These monitors offer the native 5120×2880 pixel count many of us have come to associate with “Retina” clarity on 27-inch screens. LG, for example, has been long-partnered with Apple on displays, and its UltraFine 5K series has been a go-to for Mac professionals for several years.
That said, looking to 2026, LG is extending this lineage with next-gen models. They recently announced some new entries, like the LG UltraGear evo 27-inch 5K Mini-LED. They announced even some 6K monitors, too. We will see them at the CES exhibition for 2026.
Here’s an excerpt of the press release from LG: “LG Electronics (LG) announced today the global launch of its new premium gaming monitor brand, UltraGear evo™, set to debut at CES® 2026. Building on LG’s established leadership in 5K and 5K2K gaming displays, UltraGear evo expands the boundaries of high-resolution gaming with a portfolio of 5K-and-above monitors spanning OLED, New MiniLED, and ultra-wide formats, combining ultra-high definition, speed, and immersion”.
Also, consider that for the specific 5K model, LG has stated some outstanding gaming and purely performance specifics: “The LG UltraGear evo 27-inch GM9 (27GM950B) sets a new standard for 27-inch gaming monitors as the world’s first 5K New MiniLED display designed to dramatically improve blooming control. […] the monitor delivers professional-grade 5K precision with exceptional optical clarity. Featuring 2,304 local dimming zones […]. Like the 39-inch GX9, the GM9 incorporates the on-device Al solution, enabling 5K Al Upscaling, Al Scene Optimization, and Al Sound to enhance image and audio in real time without GPU overhead. For versatile gaming performance, the monitor supports Dual Mode operation, allowing users to switch between 165Hz at 5K resolution and 330Hz at QHD, paired with a fast 1ms (GtG) response time. Certified VESA DisplayHDR 1000 and delivering peak brightness of up to 1,250 […]”.
That new beast will bring together extremely tight local dimming (here’s the benefit of mini LED technology). AI upscaling, and high refresh mode capability. While designed primarily as a gaming monitor, this 5K 27-inch model could be one of the first mainstream 5K Mini-LED displays – meaning deeper blacks, higher dynamic range, and a visually punchier image than traditional LED backlights. This leap in panel tech suggests that, even if your primary use isn’t gaming, the visual quality and future-proofing on offer are significant.
There’s no reason PC users shouldn’t consider that kind of monitor too. For a sufficiently powerful enough PC, a 5K screen is a beautiful experience to have and use daily.
We’re eager to wait for CES 2026, so we will see more information about this new line of monitors in the coming months.
Apple rumored upgrade to its ordinary and pricey Studio Display
Of course, when we concentrate on monitors for Macs, you can’t go without touching on Apple Studio Display. This remains a reference point for many people – something everyone talks about, even if you’re not planning to buy one.
Apple’s design ethos and integration with macOS yield features that third parties often don’t match: seamless brightness control, Center Stage webcam, high-quality speakers, and near-perfect color calibration right out of the box.
Rumors and analyst commentary in 2025/2026 strongly suggest Apple is working on a 27-inch Mini-LED version of the Studio Display, possibly with more advanced technologies like ProMotion (120Hz) and higher brightness levels that would align it more with Pro Display XDR territory. If that new model arrives with those upgrades, it could redefine expectations at the premium end of the market – but the price tag will still be hefty, and delayed launches mean timing is uncertain. Some say early or mid-2026. Probably, it will come out alongside new refreshes of MacBook Pros with M5 Pro and m5 max chips, or even with rumored updates to desktop Macs.
To sum up: what monitor to buy now, whether for Mac or PC?
Looking at this landscape realistically, there isn’t one perfect monitor for everyone. If you’re budget-minded and want something that “just works” with a PC or MacBook without needing extra accessories, the BenQ MA270UP represents excellent value for general productivity and color-aware workflows.
If absolute resolution and top tech specs matter for you, maybe waiting a little and stepping into the 5K or 6K space will benefit you. Check closely the news for announced and upcoming models from Samsung, LG, or ASUS. And if you are a specific Mac user and you desire the most seamless ecosystem integration, Apple’s own Studio Display (or its successor) still stands as the gold standard – if you’re willing to pay for it.
In the end, your choice should reflect how you use your device. Monitor tech is evolving rapidly, especially with advances like Mini-LED, OLED, and fast connectivity (Thunderbolt 5, for example). So, if you’re not in a rush, keeping an eye on CES and mid-year releases can be worthwhile. But if you do need a monitor now and you want one that will still feel strong in 2026 and beyond, the range of options above gives most users more capable screens than ever before without locking you into only one brand or ecosystem.
In my experience, it is worth investing in a good monitor, with great colors and features, simply because you’ll look at it every day. Your eyes will thank you for your choice, if well done.
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