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

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

ViewSonic VP2788-5K 27-inch monitor displaying vibrant, abstract red and purple swirls, featuring 5K UltraHD, 99% DCI-P3 color, and Thunderbolt compatibility.
The VP2788-5K



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.

Rear view of a ViewSonic monitor showcasing ports: 2 Thunderbolt 4, 2 USB Type-C, 1 HDMI 2.1, 1 DisplayPort, and 2 integrated 5-watt speakers. Text: Future-Proof Inputs.
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.



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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 15
    arichter138arichter138 Posts: 2member
    Will the Thunderbolt downstream connection to a second monitor be supported on Mac so it is seen as 2 distinct displays?  This has been on the the big complaints on the Dell displays where the linking works like this on Windows, but Mac only sees one unique display target.
    ForumPostwatto_cobra
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  • Reply 2 of 15
    Mike Wuerthelemike wuerthele Posts: 7,051administrator
    arichter138 said:
    Will the Thunderbolt downstream connection to a second monitor be supported on Mac so it is seen as 2 distinct displays?  This has been on the the big complaints on the Dell displays where the linking works like this on Windows, but Mac only sees one unique display target.
    In theory, yes. This, properly implemented with the right Thunderbolt controller, could sidestep Apple's lack of support for MST.

    We've asked for a review unit.
    entropysentropysnubuswatto_cobra
     2Likes 0Dislikes 2Informatives
  • Reply 3 of 15
    thttht Posts: 5,917member
    Mike Wuerthele said:
    arichter138 said:
    Will the Thunderbolt downstream connection to a second monitor be supported on Mac so it is seen as 2 distinct displays?  This has been on the the big complaints on the Dell displays where the linking works like this on Windows, but Mac only sees one unique display target.
    In theory, yes. This, properly implemented with the right Thunderbolt controller, could sidestep Apple's lack of support for MST.

    We've asked for a review unit.
    For MST of two 5K monitors, if uncompressed video streams are used, it should mean that TB4 can only support two 5K monitors at 30 Hz. So, they are likely using compression for 60 Hz.

    And, it could have consequences for the USBC port bandwidth. 

    Would be interesting to see two 5K monitors daisy chained. 
    ITGUYINSDwatto_cobra
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  • Reply 4 of 15
    ralphburalphbu Posts: 27member
    How does the brightness compare?
    watto_cobra
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  • Reply 5 of 15
    powermacbanditpowermacbandit Posts: 52member
    If you can’t control display settings from the Mac (volume, brightness, etc) then it’s a non-starter in my book. 
    lotonesgrandact73watto_cobra
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  • Reply 6 of 15
    AndyFandyf Posts: 2member
    Thanks for this article.  I hope you do get a review unit.  I found that I could not even daisy chain a 4K display onto a Studio Display, so I would be interested to know how well a Studio Display works daisy chained to the View Sonic!
    watto_cobra
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  • Reply 7 of 15
    entropysentropys Posts: 4,439member
    Hopefully two review units so you can find out what is happening when daisy chained.
    also if the studio display be included in such a setup.
    and the ASUS ProArt 5K display.
    roundaboutnowwatto_cobra
     2Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 8 of 15
    DrDumDumdrdumdum Posts: 6unconfirmed, member
    powermacbandit said:
    If you can’t control display settings from the Mac (volume, brightness, etc) then it’s a non-starter in my book. 

    That seems to focus on the wrong thing. Picture quality is 99% of the decision. rest is trivial. 

    Why would you want to use the crappy built in speakers? $10 speakers would sound better. Changing screen brightness is one click in the control center. How often do peeps change brightness?
    mikethemartiannubusjeffharriswilliamlondongrandact73watto_cobra
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  • Reply 9 of 15
    djames4242djames4242 Posts: 658member
    powermacbandit said:
    If you can’t control display settings from the Mac (volume, brightness, etc) then it’s a non-starter in my book. 
    It may be seen as kludgy, but BetterDisplay lets me control my inexpensive LG 4K monitors with my keyboard. I also have a portable USB monitor which defaults to 50% brightness every time I plug it in. This is the reason I paid the $20 to support this app because it was annoying having to use the monitor’s flimsy controls to increase its brightness every time I use it.
    nubusappleinsideruserdewmewatto_cobra
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  • Reply 10 of 15
    dk49dk49 Posts: 289member
    They should have included a webcam too. 
    roundaboutnowwatto_cobra
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  • Reply 11 of 15
    roundaboutnowroundaboutnow Posts: 768member
    entropys said:
    Hopefully two review units so you can find out what is happening when daisy chained.
    also if the studio display be included in such a setup.
    and the ASUS ProArt 5K display.
    At $799, that ASUS ProArt 5K display seems like a pretty good deal. Would definitely like to see AI review one.
    watto_cobra
     1Like 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 12 of 15
    chelgrianchelgrian Posts: 50member
    ralphbu said:
    How does the brightness compare?
    Viewsonic is 400nits vs 600nits for the Apple. If you are doing anything with HDR video you ideally want 1000nits or more. For reference a Pro Display XDR is 1600nits.
    williamlondondanoxwatto_cobra
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  • Reply 13 of 15
    Mike Wuerthelemike wuerthele Posts: 7,051administrator
    entropys said:
    Hopefully two review units so you can find out what is happening when daisy chained.
    also if the studio display be included in such a setup.
    and the ASUS ProArt 5K display.
    At $799, that ASUS ProArt 5K display seems like a pretty good deal. Would definitely like to see AI review one.
    We did, in January.

    muthuk_vanalingamroundaboutnowwatto_cobra
     3Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 14 of 15
    roundaboutnowroundaboutnow Posts: 768member
    Mike Wuerthele said:
    entropys said:
    Hopefully two review units so you can find out what is happening when daisy chained.
    also if the studio display be included in such a setup.
    and the ASUS ProArt 5K display.
    At $799, that ASUS ProArt 5K display seems like a pretty good deal. Would definitely like to see AI review one.
    We did, in January.

    Ah, good! Thanks!

    On paper, the ViewSonic seems worth the extra $50 unless the KVM feature of the Asus is important. Looking forward to your hands-on review of the ViewSonic!
    watto_cobra
     1Like 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 15 of 15
    semi_guysemi_guy Posts: 69member
    If you can’t control display settings from the Mac (volume, brightness, etc) then it’s a non-starter in my book. 
    Lunar offers an ability to use the keyboard controls for third party monitors:
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
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