Usually available for just under $400, the 4K Asus ProArt PA279CRV won our vote as one of the best budget alternatives to the Apple Studio Display.
OK, it’s only a 4K monitor and with a lower pixel density than Apple’s display but considering it’s only a third of the price of the Studio Display, we think its amazing value considering the rest of its specs.
The PA279CRV packs a lot of features similar to the Studio Display, including excellent color accuracy, HDR support, and USB-C connectivity.
Here, we take an in-depth look at how the ProArt PA279CRV compares head-to-head as one of the best cheaper alternatives to Apple’s Studio Display.
Contents
Comparison Table
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the specs of both monitors for a quick overview.
For this comparison, we’ve looked at the Asus ProArt PA279CRV versus the base-level Apple Studio Display with standard glass and tilt-adjustable stand.
| Feature | Asus ProArt PA279CRV | Apple Studio Display |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 27-inch | 27-inch |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 5120 x 2880 (5K) |
| Pixel Density | 163 ppi | 218 ppi |
| Panel Type | IPS, HDR10, factory calibrated | IPS, P3 wide color, True Tone |
| Color Accuracy | Delta E <2, DCI-P3, sRGB, Rec.709 | P3 wide color, 1 billion colors |
| Brightness | 450 nits | 500 nits |
| HDR Support | DisplayHDR 400 | No HDR |
| Connectivity | HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C w/ 90W PD | Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) |
| Stand Adjustments | Tilt, swivel, height | Tilt, optional height ($400 extra) |
| Speakers | 2W stereo | 6-speaker spatial audio system |
| Webcam | None | 12MP with Center Stage |
| Price | $429.99 (list price but usually on offer for less than $400) | $1,599 |
Resolution and Display Quality
The Asus ProArt PA279CRV features a 27-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) display with 163 ppi. While slightly lower than the Studio Display’s 218 ppi, the PA279CRV offers excellent sharpness and color performance for most professional creative work.
Asus ProArt monitors are known for their factory-calibrated color accuracy. The PA279CRV supports wide color gamuts including DCI-P3, sRGB, and Rec.709, making it excellent for photo or video editing, especially for users not tied exclusively to Apple devices.
The Apple Studio Display, by contrast, is a 27-inch 5K (5120 x 2880) display with 218 ppi. Its P3 wide color gamut and True Tone technology adjust colors based on ambient lighting, provide a seamless, natural-looking image.
One area where the PA279CRV has an edge is HDR support: it’s certified DisplayHDR 400, letting you enjoy HDR content on Netflix, Apple TV+, and other platforms. The Studio Display currently lacks HDR support, which may be a limitation for video editors or content creators working in high dynamic range.
In terms of brightness, the Studio Display is slightly brighter at 500 nits versus 450 nits on the PA279CRV, though this difference is minor in most real-world use cases.
Connectivity and Flexibility
The PA279CRV offers more connectivity options than the Studio Display: HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C with 90W power delivery. This makes it ideal for users who switch between Macs, PCs, or other devices.
The Apple Studio Display primarily relies on Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C), perfect for Mac users but more restrictive for multi-device setups.
Winner for connectivity: Asus ProArt PA279CRV.
Ergonomics and Build Quality
The Asus ProArt PA279CRV includes tilt, swivel, and height adjustments out of the box, plus the ability to rotate into portrait mode. Its stand is flexible and practical, though it feels more functional than the premium stand you get with the Studio Display.
The Apple Studio Display has exceptional build quality, with a solid aluminum chassis and edge-to-edge glass. Ergonomic adjustments are limited though without additional purchases: a height-adjustable stand costs $400 extra, and Nano-texture glass adds another $300.
In our experience, the PA279CRV’s stand is functional but slightly plasticky, whereas the Studio Display offers unmatched design and premium feel.
Sound
No monitor can compete with the Studio Display’s integrated sound system. It features six high-fidelity speakers with spatial audio support for immersive sound and Spatial Audio.
The PA279CRV has only two 2W speakers, which are adequate for basic audio but external speakers are recommended for serious media work.
Winner for sound: Apple Studio Display.
Added Features
The Studio Display comes with a 12MP webcam and Center Stage, ideal for video calls and streaming. The PA279CRV has no webcam.
However, the PA279CRV includes a KVM switch, allowing users to switch between two devices in Picture-in-Picture or Picture-by-Picture mode – a feature absent on the Studio Display.
Price and Target Audience
At a list price of $429.99 but usually discounted to $399.99 or less, the Asus ProArt PA279CRV is roughly a third of the price of the Studio Display, making it a very attractive choice for creatives on a budget.
The Studio Display starts at $1,599, aimed at Mac users who want a premium, fully integrated experience with Apple devices. Refurbished models are sometimes available but limited.
Pros and Cons Summary
| ASUS ProArt PA279CRV | Apple Studio Display |
|---|---|
| Pros: Affordable, factory-calibrated color, HDR support, versatile connectivity, USB-C w/ 90W PD | Pros: Seamless Mac integration, 5K resolution, excellent color fidelity, premium build, outstanding speakers & webcam |
| Cons: Slightly lower resolution than 5K, less refined design, weaker speakers, no webcam | Cons: Expensive, limited connectivity, no HDR support, ergonomic upgrades cost extra |
Conclusion: Asus ProArt PA279CRV vs Apple Studio Display
The Asus ProArt PA279CRV is a flexible, budget-friendly display with professional-grade color accuracy, HDR support, and multiple connectivity options.
The Apple Studio Display offers a premium Apple experience with higher resolution, True Tone, and top-tier built-in audio and webcam features – but comes at twice the price.
For budget-conscious creatives or multi-device users, the PA279CRV is an excellent alternative. For those fully invested in Apples products who prioritize design, integration, and superior sound/webcam, the Studio Display remains the top choice.
For more options, see our guide to the best Apple Studio Display alternatives.