BenQ has expanded its Mac-focused monitor lineup with the MA270UP, a glossy alternative to the well-received MA270U. The new display maintains the same specifications as its matte predecessor while introducing a Nano Gloss panel that delivers deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. A key selling point is that this comes at a fraction of the cost of Apple’s Studio Display.
What’s New: Glossy Gets the Spotlight
The MA270UP represents a simple but significant addition to BenQ’s MA series. According to Macworld’s review, the only difference between this model and the MA270U is the glossy Nano Gloss front panel. Everything else remains identical: the 27-inch 4K display, the ergonomic stand, the port selection, and even the companion software.
Why does the finish matter? Glossy displays produce images with more “pop”. Blacks appear darker, whites seem brighter, and colors feel more saturated. BenQ’s Nano Gloss surface aims to deliver this vivid presentation while maintaining clear viewing angles from the side, mimicking the glass displays Mac users know from their laptops and iMacs.
The trade-off, of course, is reflections. Glossy screens can be more challenging in brightly lit environments, though Macworld’s testing found the MA270UP handled typical office fluorescent lighting without issues. Direct sunlight through windows, however, remains a concern for any glossy display.
Specifications and Features
The MA270UP carries forward the same solid specifications that made the MA270U popular among Mac users:
- 27-inch IPS panel with 3840 x 2160 (4K) resolution
- 400 nits brightness with DisplayHDR 400 certification
- 60Hz refresh rate with 5ms response time
- 1200:1 contrast ratio
- 99% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3 color coverage
- 10-bit color depth support
The connectivity options are generous for the price point. Users get two HDMI 2.0 ports, one USB-C port with 90W Power Delivery (enough to charge any MacBook), an additional 15W USB-C port, two USB-A ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack. This setup allows the monitor to function as a hub when connected via USB-C.
The included stand offers extensive adjustability: 5 to 20 degrees of tilt, 15 degrees of swivel in either direction, 115mm of height adjustment, and the ability to pivot 90 degrees for portrait orientation. This range of motion significantly exceeds what Apple offers with the Studio Display’s standard stand.
How It Compares to the MA270U
Since the specifications are otherwise identical, choosing between the MA270UP and its matte sibling comes down to display preference and viewing environment. Reviews of the MA270U consistently praised its Nano Matte panel for minimizing glare and reflections, making it ideal for bright workspaces or positions near windows.
The glossy MA270UP, on the other hand, delivers more vibrant images that look closer to Apple’s own displays. Macworld’s side-by-side comparison with a MacBook Pro’s Nano-texture display showed the MA270UP producing noticeably more vibrant colors, darker blacks, and “more on point” whites. The reviewer found the experience much closer to the Studio Display’s visual presentation.
Both models use BenQ’s color-matching technology designed to ensure consistency between your MacBook’s display and the external monitor. Reviewers have noted that the color matching was impressively accurate right out of the box, with barely perceptible differences between the built-in MacBook display and the BenQ monitor.
The Studio Display Comparison
The elephant in the room for any Mac-focused monitor is the Apple Studio Display. At $1,599 for the base model, Apple’s offering commands more than triple the MA270UP’s $549.99 price tag. That gap widens further when you factor in the $400 upgrade for a height-adjustable stand and the $300 premium for nano-texture glass—features the BenQ includes in its base price.
The Studio Display does offer several advantages. Its 5K resolution (5120 x 2880) provides sharper text and more screen real estate than the MA270UP’s 4K panel. The integrated 12MP ultrawide camera with Center Stage and the impressive six-speaker sound system with spatial audio support are genuinely useful features missing from the BenQ. The Studio Display also reaches 600 nits brightness compared to the MA270UP’s 400 nits.
However, as Macworld noted in its review, the MA270UP delivers “very similar image quality” to the Studio Display for significantly less money. For users who already have a good webcam or don’t need the integrated camera and speakers, the BenQ presents compelling value. The 60Hz refresh rate is the same on both displays, so neither offers ProMotion’s 120Hz smoothness.
Availability
Shipping starts in November 2025 for those who pre-order through BenQ’s website. Given the positive reception of the MA270U and the strong demand for affordable Mac-compatible displays, the glossy MA270UP should find its audience among Mac users who’ve been eyeing the Studio Display but couldn’t quite justify the expense.
