Buying guide for best computer monitors
A computer monitor is a versatile piece of equipment for your computing and entertainment needs. It’s a must for any desktop setup, and if you’re a laptop user, an additional monitor can help boost productivity when you’re working and give you a better screen for watching streamed movies and TV content when you’re relaxing.
How can an additional monitor help boost productivity? There are several ways you could incorporate one into your laptop workstation. For example, if you work with multiple spreadsheets at once, an additional screen gives you a place to put that second or third spreadsheet. Instead of squinting to view several panels on one small screen, you can spread out your work for easy viewing and access.
What’s more, if you have a laptop whose screen doesn’t adequately display your streamed content or games how you want it to, an additional monitor can up your game. Whereas a laptop may not have full HD resolution — and may only have a screen of 17 inches or less — a larger monitor with full HD resolution can significantly improve your movie nights and gaming sessions.
If you’re shopping for a new computer monitor, there are some specs to consider first, such as size, resolution and panel type. The combination of specs you choose creates your user experience.
One of our favorite computer monitors on the market today is the Dell S2722DZ 27-Inch Computer Monitor. It has a quad high-definition display that makes streamed content immersive and enjoyable. We also like LG FHD 27-Inch Computer Monitor. For hardcore gamers, it effectively manages refresh rates for a pleasurable gaming experience.
What are you looking for in a monitor? We think our list of top computer monitors has something to offer just about everyone.
Best computer monitors
This Dell monitor has several fantastic features, and the specs make it one of the best all-around monitors, so it’s suitable no matter what you intend to use it for.
This monitor has a quad high-definition display that renders 2,560 by 1,440 pixels at a 16:9 aspect ratio. Essentially, the image quality is twice as good as a full high-definition display. It has a built-in webcam, noise-canceling microphones and dual 5-watt speakers.
It provides 65 watts of power to maintain your laptop charging, and it has a 5-megapixel IR pop-up camera with features such as facial recognition through Windows Hello for secure sign-on. It has USB-C ports and a height-adjustable stand that can be tilted and swiveled for maximum comfort.
If you’re looking for an external computer monitor to elevate your gaming to the next level, you won’t be disappointed with this LG 27-Inch monitor. The display doesn’t offer the high resolution our top pick does, but it’s full high-definition, and the three-sided borderless design allows for wide viewing angles.
AMDFreeSync helps manage refresh rates and reduces tearing, flickering and stuttering for smooth gameplay. Readers’ Mode is excellent for minimizing eye strain during extended working or gaming sessions, and Dynamic Action Sync reduces input lag, so your performance never suffers. Also, LG’s Black Stabilizers automatically detect dark scenes and adjust settings for improved picture quality and rich contrast.
Screen Split is an excellent feature for increasing productivity, as it lets you work on two things simultaneously, and On-Screen control lets you tweak settings on the fly.
If you’ve ever owned a curved TV, you may have experienced buyer’s remorse since they’re not optimal for a TV-watching experience. Understandably, it could make you wary about considering this curved monitor. But that would be a mistake, and we’ll explain why.
A curved computer monitor is meant for a single person at a head-on angle and is an excellent choice for gamers and those who want to stream HD movies and TV shows. This monitor will add depth and picture quality you might not be accustomed to and may surprise you with how great it looks.
The ultra-slim design makes it suitable for even the most cluttered work areas. It has AMDFreeSync for reducing flickering and stuttering, and the 1,800R curvature delivers outstanding image quality and panoramic views. Plus, a 4ms response time lets you see fast-moving action clearly without lagging.
If picture quality is your primary concern, you’ll appreciate the vivid display of this computer monitor. Asus is known for making high-quality computer electronics, and the brand certainly delivers on all fronts with this high-end monitor.
The quad high-definition resolution is enough to recommend this monitor to anybody who wants a crisp display for watching movies or gaming. However, a handful of other features also capture our attention. It’s an IPS panel with a 178-degree wide viewing angle and a 75-hertz refresh rate, making it one of the best options for those looking for a smooth gaming experience or even for those who want to stream high-definition sports from time to time.
It has a USB-C port for video transmission and supports a daisy-chain function for multi-display setups. The picture is calibrated right out of the box and comes with a bonus three-month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud.
The large screen of this computer monitor makes it an easy choice if you want to stream 4K movies and TV shows. It’s also an excellent monitor if you want something that can provide a broad field of vision to increase productivity. It might be overkill for the average user, but it’s one of the best monitors we’ve reviewed and worth the money.
The IPS display makes it suitable for various computing tasks, and it supports HDR 10 technology for improved color contrast during dark and bright scenes. That means it’s perfect for gaming, and when watching movies and TV shows with dark backgrounds, you’ll be able to see everything with superior clarity.
It has two HDMI ports and two USB 3.0 ports, and as with other LG computer monitors, it has AMDFreeSync and Dynamic Action Sync for reduced input lag and a fast refresh rate.
The Sceptre 24-inch monitor is one of the cheaper ones we’ve reviewed, but for boosting productivity while working on office tasks, it’s one of the best monitors you can find for the price.
The 24-inch display isn’t as large as some of the others mentioned, but it’s still okay for streaming content, and the ultra-slim design makes it suitable for any work area, even those with limited desk space. It has built-in speakers, two HDMI ports and a 75-hertz refresh rate. The 5-millisecond response time means you can enjoy a lag-free viewing or gaming experience.
It’s worth mentioning that despite its low cost, this monitor offers a full high-definition resolution, and the color and picture detail is outstanding, making it an excellent bargain pick.
This is one of the best computer monitors and an excellent buy if you’re looking for a high-end monitor with a premium build. The 4K UHD resolution makes it one of the better monitors for those who enjoy streaming high-quality movies and TV shows, and the 5ms response time reduces input lag and makes it excellent for watching sports and gaming.
The picture quality is excellent thanks to LED backlighting that enhances color detail and contrast. Also, 350 Nit brightness levels help deliver stunning visuals, and Picture-by-Picture lets you view content from up to four different computers on one screen.
ComfortView is an excellent feature for those concerned about eyestrain, as it reduces up to 60% of blue light emissions, letting you work, play video games or watch movies for longer without experiencing fatigue. Also, it’s height adjustable, and you can tilt, swivel and rotate it based on your preference.
What to know before you buy a computer monitor
Monitor resolution
A computer monitor’s resolution reflects the number of light-emitting pixels in its display. Models with more pixels are more colorful. There is a distinct contrast between deep black and bright white tones.
A standard resolution for a computer monitor is 1080p, otherwise known as full HD. High-resolution computer monitors are those with a Quad HD or 4K resolution, and they are worth it if you play PC games or stream HD content. However, you’d likely be satisfied with a low-resolution monitor for more basic tasks such as checking email and taking online courses.
Screen sizes
Computer monitors come in various sizes, from small 20-inch
models to giant 55-inch monitors. The right size for you depends on how you plan to use it.
Bigger monitors are best for PC gaming and cinematic movie and TV experiences. These extra-wide computer monitors take up more space and get fairly expensive, but they often have superior resolution and many high-end features.
Smaller monitors tend to cost less. They are suitable for small workspaces and light computing tasks like web browsing and online learning. Mid-sized computer monitors between 21 and 27 inches are a happy medium and tend to balance value and good resolution with helpful features.
Panels and screen designs
An in-plane switching panel supports a wide field of view and vivid color range and is a great all-around panel for daily office or school work. A twisted nematic panel supports higher frame rates, a faster response time and minimal input lag, making them suitable for gaming. Once you determine which panel suits you, you can determine the type of screen that’s best for you.
Curved monitors: These monitors are designed with a curve that bends around the viewer’s peripheral vision. The curve results in an immersive viewing experience that minimizes eye strain. Curved monitors are a top option for gaming and watching streaming apps.
Ultrawide monitors: Ultrawide monitors have a wide rectangular design. The unique shape and 21:9 aspect ratio make an ultrawide monitor a solid pick for gaming. Professionals like the extra screen space because they can keep multiple windows in view. Ultrawide monitors are also optimized for viewing two computer screens side by side.
Additional features to look for
If you need excellent picture quality, we suggest getting a monitor that supports High-Dynamic Range, which offers a vivid color range and lifelike details. Gamers should look for superior technologies such as AMD FreeSync, which allows for smoother visuals, reduced input lag and no screen tearing.
FAQ
Q. How much should I spend on a computer monitor?
A. Bargain-priced computer monitors tend to cost $300 or less. Expect these choices to be compact with fewer features than their pricier counterparts. If you have $300 to $600 to spend, you will find computer monitors of higher quality and with various sizes, resolutions and feature sets. Most PC owners would be satisfied with a monitor from this upper price range.
Q. I want an ergonomic computer monitor. What should I look for?
A. Look for a highly adjustable stand that can swivel, tilt, or rotate to the best position. The goal is for you to view its display comfortably.
Q. Should I get an ultrawide computer monitor or a pair of dual-screen monitors?
A. If you need to view two screens simultaneously, an ultrawide monitor is better. The colors will be uniform between both screens since both are displayed on the same monitor, and you won’t have to look between bezels while you work.
Q. Do I need to adjust the picture settings of my monitor before using it?
A. Some monitors already come with calibrated picture settings for optimal viewing, but depending on where you’ve set up your TV, you may need to play around with the settings to achieve the best possible image quality.
