Apple's Studio Display, a 27-inch 5K IPS panel that offers USB-C connectivity, a polished finish, and some Apple-style perks, is a solid display. But what if you're a Mac owner who doesn't need 5K, or what if you don't want to spend $1,600 on a monitor? What if you need to work across operating systems and want a stylish display with a unique boost in image quality?

Enter the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE ($655 MSRP as of writing). Dell's USB-C-equipped UltraSharp line is a popular option for Mac and Windows users, though the U2723QE comes at a premium over other displays in the lineup because it introduces LG Display's IPS Black technology, which aims to deliver twice as much contrast as the average IPS screen. You might not be able to tell 5K from 4K, but it's easy to see the rich contrast the U2723QE delivers over standard IPS monitors, including the Studio Display.

For those seeking a 27-incher with enough extra oomph to make a difference but not completely break the bank, the U2723QE presents an attractive combination of good looks, superior image quality, and enough connectivity to drive a seriously productive setup.

Design

Apple's Studio Display is not for everyone. In fact, it's mostly for those who need a monitor with a 5K resolution, such as graphics or publishing professionals. At 4K resolution, the 27-inch U2723QE has a pixel density of 163.18 pixels per inch (ppi), compared to the equally sized Studio Display's 217.57 ppi. But with limited 5K content currently available, most non-professionals will be OK with "just" 8.3 million pixels.